Volleyball Opens Season Friday at Winthrop
8/29/2019 3:31:00 PM | Volleyball
Season Preview (Video)
Schedule
Roster
DavidsonPhotos.com
When he looks at his 2019 Davidson volleyball team, head coach Chris Willis sees a few things.
There's talent, depth and potential, and senior outside hitter Emma McLaughlin sees all of that, too.
"I think we just have a really diverse collection of talent," she said. "I look around the room, and I feel great about who's on the court, no matter if it's a senior or a freshman. I think that our team is really deep with talent and we trust each other on the court."
The Wildcats, 12-13 a year ago, open the season Friday at Winthrop at 7 p.m. and will play their first six matches on the road. The team is tasked with replacing a number of key players, including All-Atlantic 10 honoree Mason Rooney, but there are multiple veterans back to lead the way.
Willis sees the team's middle hitters as a strength.
Junior Ellie Crosley returns after leading the Atlantic 10 and ranking among the nation's best in hitting percentage (.421) through 15 matches last season. An injury caused her to miss the latter part of the schedule, but that opened the door for Lauryn Albold, a talented blocker, to get valuable match experience as a freshman. Willis likes what freshmen Madeline Wynn and Anela Davis and junior Ginny Gerig add to the group.
"We've never had this kind of depth in the middle in my time here," said Willis. "It's a luxury to have five middle hitters in your gym."
At setter, junior Sydney Champaigne returns after totaling 411 assists, and 4.78 per set, last year alongside Rooney. Senior Emily Kane and freshman Julia Black will be ready to step in and contribute as well.
Sophomore Hattie Rodriguez returns to lead the outside hitters after posting 205 kills, the most among returners. Willis has been impressed with how returners McLaughlin, Annalyse Kitzberger and Remi Lehnertz have progressed in the offseason and how freshman Paige Johnson is adjusting to the college game.
At defensive specialist/libero, seniors Elise Edman and Josie Treadwell and sophomore Malia Kay give the Wildcats versatility. Edman has the most aces (30) of any returner, while Treadwell led the team with 394 digs a year ago.
"All three of our defensive specialists are fully capable of playing libero at any time," said Willis. "This is arguably the most technically sound group we've had."
Sophomores Alison Jennings and Caroline Mohler return at the opposite hitter position. Jennings led the team with 56 blocks last year, while Mohler provides a different dynamic as a left-hander on the right side.
Davidson will play three matches in Winthrop's Cristi Curtis Invitational this weekend and three at the Liberty Invitational Sept. 7-8 before hosting tournaments on back-to-back weekends. On Sept. 13-14, Presbyterian, N.C. Central and UNC Wilmington will visit for the Davidson Invitational. Jacksonville, Wofford and High Point come to town Sept. 20-21 for the Wildcat Classic.
Schedule
Roster
DavidsonPhotos.com
When he looks at his 2019 Davidson volleyball team, head coach Chris Willis sees a few things.
There's talent, depth and potential, and senior outside hitter Emma McLaughlin sees all of that, too.
"I think we just have a really diverse collection of talent," she said. "I look around the room, and I feel great about who's on the court, no matter if it's a senior or a freshman. I think that our team is really deep with talent and we trust each other on the court."
The Wildcats, 12-13 a year ago, open the season Friday at Winthrop at 7 p.m. and will play their first six matches on the road. The team is tasked with replacing a number of key players, including All-Atlantic 10 honoree Mason Rooney, but there are multiple veterans back to lead the way.
Willis sees the team's middle hitters as a strength.
Junior Ellie Crosley returns after leading the Atlantic 10 and ranking among the nation's best in hitting percentage (.421) through 15 matches last season. An injury caused her to miss the latter part of the schedule, but that opened the door for Lauryn Albold, a talented blocker, to get valuable match experience as a freshman. Willis likes what freshmen Madeline Wynn and Anela Davis and junior Ginny Gerig add to the group.
"We've never had this kind of depth in the middle in my time here," said Willis. "It's a luxury to have five middle hitters in your gym."
At setter, junior Sydney Champaigne returns after totaling 411 assists, and 4.78 per set, last year alongside Rooney. Senior Emily Kane and freshman Julia Black will be ready to step in and contribute as well.
Sophomore Hattie Rodriguez returns to lead the outside hitters after posting 205 kills, the most among returners. Willis has been impressed with how returners McLaughlin, Annalyse Kitzberger and Remi Lehnertz have progressed in the offseason and how freshman Paige Johnson is adjusting to the college game.
At defensive specialist/libero, seniors Elise Edman and Josie Treadwell and sophomore Malia Kay give the Wildcats versatility. Edman has the most aces (30) of any returner, while Treadwell led the team with 394 digs a year ago.
"All three of our defensive specialists are fully capable of playing libero at any time," said Willis. "This is arguably the most technically sound group we've had."
Sophomores Alison Jennings and Caroline Mohler return at the opposite hitter position. Jennings led the team with 56 blocks last year, while Mohler provides a different dynamic as a left-hander on the right side.
Davidson will play three matches in Winthrop's Cristi Curtis Invitational this weekend and three at the Liberty Invitational Sept. 7-8 before hosting tournaments on back-to-back weekends. On Sept. 13-14, Presbyterian, N.C. Central and UNC Wilmington will visit for the Davidson Invitational. Jacksonville, Wofford and High Point come to town Sept. 20-21 for the Wildcat Classic.
Players Mentioned
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