WICHITA FALLS, Texas - There is no doubt the correlation between quarterbacks and the gridiron and volleyball setters share many common threads.
 
Both positions must master the offense, effectively communicate and above all both spots demand a leader which makes neither an easy place for a newcomer.
 
"Definitely the game is a lot faster (than high school) so we have to run the offense quicker," MSU sophomore Kristan Aduddell said. "Last year, I was very scared at first but I got to know the girls very well and very quick."
 
The sophomore from The Colony's ability to adapt to MSU's 6-2 (two-setter) offense helped pave the way to leading the team in set assists with 5.70 per set during her frosh campaign as the Mustangs finished with a 15-16 mark while making an appearance in the Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament.
 
Aduddell will have a very willing partner in the offense this season in North Central Texas College transfer Courtney Haney, who is ready to take a stop up on the competitive edge.
 
"Since (NCTC) was a two-year school, not everyone was as serious about it as they are here," Haney said. "A lot of girls didn't have the heart for the game, some were there to please their parents and some were there just to go and see what it's like."
 
The versatile Haney, who will play all-around as an outside hitter and setter, had come from Class 2A powerhouse Peaster High School where she was a three-time district MVP and twice earned all-state honors.
 
She is happy with the similarities with the will to win at MSU than in junior college where she earned all-conference honors in each of the last two seasons.
 
"Here, everyone is more committed," Haney said. "I'm more about winning. Here, it's all about being competitive. And I love it."
 
Both glow over the growing cohesion already developing on this season's squad which includes eight returning letter winners and five newcomers.
 
"We're definitely better," Aduddell said. "We have a better attitude and as a team we're more together as one."
 
Haney has yet to see any issues either.
 
"There really hasn't been a challenge," she said. "We've all gotten along from the second we've met. I love all of them and they feel like my sisters. I feel like I've been playing with them for years now."
 
The Mustangs fortunate to have the camaraderie to allow two talents ready and able to direct the attack succeed heading into the 2012 campaign.
 
CAMP NOTES
 
PHOTO DAYS: Attention Parents! Photo Day for Football is set for Sunday, Aug. 19 while Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer and Volleyball is set for Monday, Aug. 20.
 
Lifetouch Sports offers many packages with two easy ways to order. You can either order online at lifetouchsports.com before photo or student-athletes must purchase and order packages on photo day (cash/check only).
 
To pre-order online, go to www.lifetouchsports.com then select the ORDER NOW button under Order Before Picture Day. Next, enter the Picture Day ID of TX01-2-002-X0 and click on SUBMIT. Begin shopping.
 
To resolve issues, please contact Lifetouch Sports customer support at (940) 692-9691.
 
COUNTDOWN TO OPENERS
 
WOMEN'S/MEN'S SOCCER/VOLLEYBALL -- 17 DAYS: Women's Soccer opens the year against No. 10 Fort Lewis (Colo.) as part of the MSU Classic on Friday, Aug. 31 at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. West Texas A&M and Colorado Mesa lead off the classic earlier in the afternoon at 3 p.m. The MSU Men's Soccer team takes on Texas A&M International at 7 p.m. to complete the tripleheader.
 
FOOTBALL -- 25 DAYS: No. 4 Midwestern State opens the regular season at Tarleton State on Saturday, Sep. 8at Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, Texas. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
 
THIS WEEK
 
- Football worked through lightning delays and rain Tuesday afternoon and will have its first morning practice Wednesday at 9:35 a.m. which will be its first in full pads. The Mustangs experience their first two-a-day practice Thursday at 9:20 a.m. and 4:50 p.m.
 
- Volleyball continues two-a-day work outs the rest of the week before heading to the Texas Wesleyan Tournament in Fort Worth Saturday to take on Tyler JC and Navarro JC.
 
- Men's Soccer competes in its first intersquad scrimmage Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. The Mustangs face NAIA Oklahoma City University in its first exhibition match on Friday afternoon at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
 
- Women's Soccer continues two-a-day training sessions before heading out of town for its first scrimmage on Friday.