Courtesy of  David Driver of  the Baltimore Sun

Carissa Hill paid a visit to St. Mary's College of Maryland last fall to watch a volleyball game and eventually met with head coach Morris Davis, who coached the team through 2012.

Davis resigned after the season, but Hill, a St. Vincent Pallotti High graduate, followed the program and last spring met with Rose Burke, who was hired to take the coaching position.

Hill, the Laurel Leader Athlete of the Year in 2012-13 as a senior, is now a freshman defensive specialist for the Division III Seahawks and is part of an impressive start in the first year under Burke.

St. Mary's won 15 of its first 21 matches during which Hill led the team in digs with 376 (5.08 per set) and service aces with 31. Hill had a game-high 35 digs as St. Mary's beat Gallaudet 3-2.

She played in the first 21 matches and was on the court in 74 of the first 75 sets.

"I like playing defense," Hill said. "It is my favorite part. The hitters do get the glory, and the setters with assists. My favorite part is to get a dig on an awesome kill. It is about being in the right spot at the right time. That is my go-to: 'reading the hitter' on the opposing team and their tendencies."

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