Tuesday, August 28
Davidson, N.C.
7:00 pm
Davidson College Athletics
vs
Gardner-Webb
Photo by: Tim Cowie - DavidsonPhotos.com
'Cats to Host Gardner-Webb in Season Opener on Tuesday
8/27/2012 3:42:00 PM | Volleyball
DAVIDSON, N.C. - A slew of solid veterans will be joined by a crop of young and talented newcomers on the Davidson volleyball team for the 2012 season as the squad looks to build upon a solid 15-15 record they put together last season. Head coach Chris Willis took over a team looking to overcome the loss of six seniors and guided them to SoCon wins over The Citadel, Chattanooga and Appalachian State. The 'Cats will open the season on Tuesday when they host Gardner-Webb in a 7 p.m. contest at Belk Arena.
“I really like the make up of our program for the 2012 season,” says Willis. “The core of our team is returning and we're adding quite a bit of depth in several positions with an outstanding class of freshmen.”
Willis will look to his seniors to lead the way as Ariel Lay and Molly Crenshaw return at setter and libero, respectively, after strong junior campaigns.
“At the center of every successful program is great ball control and setting,” says Willis. “Molly, our returning libero, and her classmate Ariel will be setting the table for our offense. Having the upperclassmen as the foundation of our success gives me a great sense of comfort and excitement.”
In addition to Ley and Crenshaw, the Wildcat squad boasts nine more experienced upperclassmen that will be provide depth in various parts of the lineup.
“We'll find our deepest pool of talent within defense and ball control,” states Willis. “In addition to Molly, Jenna Ptaschinski comes back with a lot of experience from last year where she picked up 171 digs in 103 sets. She'll also be a cornerstone for us in serve receive. Anastasia Owen, Sarah Roberts, and Madisson Smith logged time last fall and showed tremendous improvement during the spring.“
SETTER
Ariel Ley returns for her senior season and is expected to be the Wildcats' primary setter after ranking third in the SoCon in 2011 with 10.52 assists per game.
Newcomer Gaylen Fronk will also be in the mix. Fronk recently helped Penfield (N.Y.) High School to the state championship, earning All-State, All-Greater Rochester and All-Monroe County honors in the process.
“Gaylen will join Ariel at the setter position this season,” says Willis. “She is one of the most competitive players I've recruited and we can't wait to see what Gaylen will do at the college level. “
OUTSIDE HITTER
“At the pins we'll have plenty of options, led by our all-conference outside hitter Caroline Brown,” says Willis. “Caroline has a huge shot selection and a tremendous game IQ. We expect more of the same from her during the fall.”
Entering her junior season, Brown leads the outside hitters after a stellar sophomore campaign in 2011 where she earned All-SoCon Second Team honors. She finished second in the league in kills per set with 3.88 as well as service aces with 0.41 per set.
Fellow junior Megan Chamberlin also had a solid sophomore season, appearing in 83 sets and recording 20 service aces on the season. Rachel Earnhardt played in just over 10 sets last season, totaling nine kills and 13 digs.
“Megan showed much improvement this spring after contributing as a serving specialist last year,” says Willis. “Our other returning outside hitter, Rachel, made great strides during the past year and will be battling for playing time. Incoming freshmen, Hannah Rau and Morgan Shannon add quality depth on the outside and both have the ability to contribute right away.”
Rau, an alumna of Palos Verdes High School and high school teammate of Smith, is a Junior Nationals competitor who boasts playing experience with the Southern California Volleyball Club. Rau finished her high school career with a hitting percentage of .299.
Fellow newcomer Shannon will also be in the mix after a stellar prep campaign at Cave High School in Roanoke, Va. Shannon averaged 4.3 kills per game as a senior in 2011 to help the Knights to the 2011 Group AA Virginia State Championship, earning the 2011 VHSCA Group AA Player of the Year award.
OPPOSITE
Junior Taylor Pisel is a strong candidate to start at opposite after gaining valuable experience last season under then-senior Erin Lupfer. Pisel started 10 matches and appeared in 27 overall for the 'Cats in 2011 and averaged 1.08 kills per game for 71 on the season. Pisel also recorded 24 blocks for an average of 0.36 per set.
“On the right side, Taylor has plenty of experience and only improved during the spring,” says Willis. “We'll be counting on her to terminate as well as set a formidable block against the oppositions' outside hitters. Freshman Michelle McNeight brings good size, athleticism, and ball control to the right side.”
McNeight, a Florida Today All-Space Coast Second Team honoree out of Melbourne Central Catholic, was named the 2011 MCC MVP and competed for TOPSELECT Volleyball Academy as well.
MIDDLE HITTER
Tindall Sewell looks to pick up where she left off last season as one of the SoCon's top middle hitters. Sewell led the league – and the nation - in hitting percentage at .430 and tied for the team lead in blocks with 0.68 per set. She was also among the team leaders in kills, averaging 2.27 per set.
“In the middle, Tindall will continue to set the standard in our gym after leading the NCAA in hitting percentage last year,” states Willis. “Her work ethic and desire to improve her blocking should make her a formidable force once again. Joining her will be freshman Shannon McPherson who will be counted on to contribute right away. Her strengths in blocking will definitely help bolster our defensive numbers this fall.”
McPherson is a 6-0 freshman who chose to focus on club competition while attending Paxon School for Advanced Studies in Jacksonville, Fla., and will most likely see significant time at the position in her rookie season.
LIBERO/DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST
Crenshaw will again anchor the Wildcat defense as she returns for her final season at libero. She appeared in all 30 games and 106 sets in 2011, ranking third in the SoCon with 4.79 digs per set.
Junior Ptaschinski and sophomore Roberts have also seen action for the 'Cats' defense and will look to gain more experience in 2012. Ptaschinski appeared in all 30 games as a sophomore, averaging 1.61 digs per set with 24 assists on the season. Roberts saw action in five sets in her rookie campaign. Sophomore Owen, who saw limited action as a freshman setter last season but averaged 6.60 assists per set, will join her at defensive specialist. Madisson Smith played in just over 10 sets as a freshman in 2011, putting up five digs and ace while playing outside hitter but will make the transition to defensive specialist this season.
Freshman Layne Doctson will also join the mix at defensive specialist. A native of Montgomery, Ala., Doctson was the AHSAA All-Metro Player of the Year as well as a three-time All-Metro selection who guided the Montgomery Academy to the state finals match in 2012.
“Layne will add a lot of athleticism and energy to our crew of defenders,” says Willis. “I expect to see each of these individuals competing for playing time within our system and can't wait to see them frustrate the oppositions' offenses with their passion to keep the ball off the floor.”
SCHEDULE
“Overall, I like our talent in the gym and how our schedule is laid out,” says Willis. “Our preseason tournaments should give the players an opportunity to prepare for the tough Southern Conference schedule. We'll be challenged throughout the year and I look forward to seeing how we improve through out the season. “
After hosting Gardner-Webb at Belk Arena in the season opener on August 28, the Wildcats will once again dive right into tournament play. For two straight weekends, the 'Cats will hit the road and head to Winston-Salem, N.C., to compete in the Wake Forest Invitational (Aug. 31-Sept. 8) before trekking to Jacksonville, Fla., to take part in the North Florida Invitational (Sept. 7-8). The squad will then return home to welcome High Point, N.C. Central and Univ. of Wisconsin-Green Bay to town as part of the Wildcat Classic (Sept. 14-15).
Davidson will host seven home conference matches, including tilts with Georgia Southern (Oct. 8) and Appalachian State (Nov. 3). They will hit the road for eight more SoCon battles; including a trip to Alabama to take on defending SoCon champ Samford (Oct. 21).
To conclude the season, the Wildcats will host the 2012 Southern Conference Volleyball Tournament at Belk Arena for the first time in ten seasons. The 'Cats will welcome the rest of the league on November 17, 18 and 19 with the championship match being held on the third and final day of competition.
“I really like the make up of our program for the 2012 season,” says Willis. “The core of our team is returning and we're adding quite a bit of depth in several positions with an outstanding class of freshmen.”
Willis will look to his seniors to lead the way as Ariel Lay and Molly Crenshaw return at setter and libero, respectively, after strong junior campaigns.
“At the center of every successful program is great ball control and setting,” says Willis. “Molly, our returning libero, and her classmate Ariel will be setting the table for our offense. Having the upperclassmen as the foundation of our success gives me a great sense of comfort and excitement.”
In addition to Ley and Crenshaw, the Wildcat squad boasts nine more experienced upperclassmen that will be provide depth in various parts of the lineup.
“We'll find our deepest pool of talent within defense and ball control,” states Willis. “In addition to Molly, Jenna Ptaschinski comes back with a lot of experience from last year where she picked up 171 digs in 103 sets. She'll also be a cornerstone for us in serve receive. Anastasia Owen, Sarah Roberts, and Madisson Smith logged time last fall and showed tremendous improvement during the spring.“
SETTER
Ariel Ley returns for her senior season and is expected to be the Wildcats' primary setter after ranking third in the SoCon in 2011 with 10.52 assists per game.
Newcomer Gaylen Fronk will also be in the mix. Fronk recently helped Penfield (N.Y.) High School to the state championship, earning All-State, All-Greater Rochester and All-Monroe County honors in the process.
“Gaylen will join Ariel at the setter position this season,” says Willis. “She is one of the most competitive players I've recruited and we can't wait to see what Gaylen will do at the college level. “
OUTSIDE HITTER
“At the pins we'll have plenty of options, led by our all-conference outside hitter Caroline Brown,” says Willis. “Caroline has a huge shot selection and a tremendous game IQ. We expect more of the same from her during the fall.”
Entering her junior season, Brown leads the outside hitters after a stellar sophomore campaign in 2011 where she earned All-SoCon Second Team honors. She finished second in the league in kills per set with 3.88 as well as service aces with 0.41 per set.
Fellow junior Megan Chamberlin also had a solid sophomore season, appearing in 83 sets and recording 20 service aces on the season. Rachel Earnhardt played in just over 10 sets last season, totaling nine kills and 13 digs.
“Megan showed much improvement this spring after contributing as a serving specialist last year,” says Willis. “Our other returning outside hitter, Rachel, made great strides during the past year and will be battling for playing time. Incoming freshmen, Hannah Rau and Morgan Shannon add quality depth on the outside and both have the ability to contribute right away.”
Rau, an alumna of Palos Verdes High School and high school teammate of Smith, is a Junior Nationals competitor who boasts playing experience with the Southern California Volleyball Club. Rau finished her high school career with a hitting percentage of .299.
Fellow newcomer Shannon will also be in the mix after a stellar prep campaign at Cave High School in Roanoke, Va. Shannon averaged 4.3 kills per game as a senior in 2011 to help the Knights to the 2011 Group AA Virginia State Championship, earning the 2011 VHSCA Group AA Player of the Year award.
OPPOSITE
Junior Taylor Pisel is a strong candidate to start at opposite after gaining valuable experience last season under then-senior Erin Lupfer. Pisel started 10 matches and appeared in 27 overall for the 'Cats in 2011 and averaged 1.08 kills per game for 71 on the season. Pisel also recorded 24 blocks for an average of 0.36 per set.
“On the right side, Taylor has plenty of experience and only improved during the spring,” says Willis. “We'll be counting on her to terminate as well as set a formidable block against the oppositions' outside hitters. Freshman Michelle McNeight brings good size, athleticism, and ball control to the right side.”
McNeight, a Florida Today All-Space Coast Second Team honoree out of Melbourne Central Catholic, was named the 2011 MCC MVP and competed for TOPSELECT Volleyball Academy as well.
MIDDLE HITTER
Tindall Sewell looks to pick up where she left off last season as one of the SoCon's top middle hitters. Sewell led the league – and the nation - in hitting percentage at .430 and tied for the team lead in blocks with 0.68 per set. She was also among the team leaders in kills, averaging 2.27 per set.
“In the middle, Tindall will continue to set the standard in our gym after leading the NCAA in hitting percentage last year,” states Willis. “Her work ethic and desire to improve her blocking should make her a formidable force once again. Joining her will be freshman Shannon McPherson who will be counted on to contribute right away. Her strengths in blocking will definitely help bolster our defensive numbers this fall.”
McPherson is a 6-0 freshman who chose to focus on club competition while attending Paxon School for Advanced Studies in Jacksonville, Fla., and will most likely see significant time at the position in her rookie season.
LIBERO/DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST
Crenshaw will again anchor the Wildcat defense as she returns for her final season at libero. She appeared in all 30 games and 106 sets in 2011, ranking third in the SoCon with 4.79 digs per set.
Junior Ptaschinski and sophomore Roberts have also seen action for the 'Cats' defense and will look to gain more experience in 2012. Ptaschinski appeared in all 30 games as a sophomore, averaging 1.61 digs per set with 24 assists on the season. Roberts saw action in five sets in her rookie campaign. Sophomore Owen, who saw limited action as a freshman setter last season but averaged 6.60 assists per set, will join her at defensive specialist. Madisson Smith played in just over 10 sets as a freshman in 2011, putting up five digs and ace while playing outside hitter but will make the transition to defensive specialist this season.
Freshman Layne Doctson will also join the mix at defensive specialist. A native of Montgomery, Ala., Doctson was the AHSAA All-Metro Player of the Year as well as a three-time All-Metro selection who guided the Montgomery Academy to the state finals match in 2012.
“Layne will add a lot of athleticism and energy to our crew of defenders,” says Willis. “I expect to see each of these individuals competing for playing time within our system and can't wait to see them frustrate the oppositions' offenses with their passion to keep the ball off the floor.”
SCHEDULE
“Overall, I like our talent in the gym and how our schedule is laid out,” says Willis. “Our preseason tournaments should give the players an opportunity to prepare for the tough Southern Conference schedule. We'll be challenged throughout the year and I look forward to seeing how we improve through out the season. “
After hosting Gardner-Webb at Belk Arena in the season opener on August 28, the Wildcats will once again dive right into tournament play. For two straight weekends, the 'Cats will hit the road and head to Winston-Salem, N.C., to compete in the Wake Forest Invitational (Aug. 31-Sept. 8) before trekking to Jacksonville, Fla., to take part in the North Florida Invitational (Sept. 7-8). The squad will then return home to welcome High Point, N.C. Central and Univ. of Wisconsin-Green Bay to town as part of the Wildcat Classic (Sept. 14-15).
Davidson will host seven home conference matches, including tilts with Georgia Southern (Oct. 8) and Appalachian State (Nov. 3). They will hit the road for eight more SoCon battles; including a trip to Alabama to take on defending SoCon champ Samford (Oct. 21).
To conclude the season, the Wildcats will host the 2012 Southern Conference Volleyball Tournament at Belk Arena for the first time in ten seasons. The 'Cats will welcome the rest of the league on November 17, 18 and 19 with the championship match being held on the third and final day of competition.
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