Aug. 27, 2008

The Redhawks volleyball team begins their quest for the programs first NCAA tournament berth since the 2000 season this weekend as they head south to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to participate in the Blue Raider Bash hosted by nationally-ranked Middle Tennessee State at the Alumni Memorial Gym. The Redhawks first game will be against South Dakota State on Friday, August 29. First serve is set for 4:30 p.m.

Day two of the Bash includes a game against host Middle Tennessee State at 12:30 p.m. and their final contest will be against Idaho starting a 4:30 p.m.

SCOUTING THE FIELD

The Jacks advanced to the NCAA Tournament last season as they won the Summit League with a record of 25-11. The Jacks won the regular season and Summit league tournament to clinch the NCAA berth. However they return just two starters and six letterwinners. The Jacks also lost their head coach as Andrew Palileo moved on to the head coaching job at Washington State. Nana Allison-Brewer takes over the program. This will be the first meeting between the Redhawks and the Jacks.

Idaho finished the 2007 season with a 13-17 overall record, but finished fifth in the Western Athletic Conference with a 9-7 record. The Vandals return all six starters and a total of nine letterwinners, but the conference coaches still picked them to finish third in the WAC. This is also the first match-up between the two teams.

Middle Tennessee State enters the 2008 season with a No. 15 in the 2008 A VCA Preseason Poll and favored to repeat as Sun Belt Conference champions. The Blue Raiders finished the 2007 season with a 35-3 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16. The Redhawks dominate the all-time series leading 24-2.

The Redhawks game against the Blue Raiders is being video web-streamed live on GoBlueRaiders.com for a fee. (Click here for video access)

2008 TEAM PREVIEW

The team enter the season looking to improve on last year’s breakout season. Last season the team picked up its first Ohio Valley Conference regular season title since the 2000 season and the first OVC title in the Renata Nowacki era. The Redhawks went 20-12 including 15-5 in the OVC to tie Jacksonville State and Morehead State for the regular season OVC title. It was the programs first 20-win season since the 2002 season and the most OVC wins since the 2000 season.

The team returns nine letterwinners, including six starters, who are joined by three talented newcomers who should help the program immediately. Picked to finish third in the OVC standings in the coaches and sports information directors preseason poll, the 2008 team is confident that they will improve on last year’s memorable season and ultimately play in the tournament title game for the prestigious honor of advancing to the NCAA tournament.

Setter

Junior Sarah Barth returns as the team’s starting setter. Last season Barth stepped-in for the graduated Jamie Baumstark. Barth thrived in her first season as the starter as she ranked seventh in the OVC with 1,197 assists. The athletic Barth averaged 10.98 assists per game as she started 25 of the 29 matches she played in last season. Barth recorded 16 assist-dig double-doubles last season and ranked amongst the national leaders in triple doubles as she finished the year with two.

“I expect big things from Sarah this year,” said Coach Nowacki. “she has a strong grasp of the offense and has a matured approach to set selections and play calling.”

Senior Alyssa Aston will push Barth for playing time at the setter position. Aston has a wealth of experience after seeing action in 21 matches last season including seven starts. She finished the year with five assist-dig double doubles including a career game of 60 assists and 12 digs against Memphis.

“Alyssa will compete for the starting position this year,” said Coach Nowacki. “She understands the offense and is determined to be back on the court.”

Newcomer Meagan Webb will provide depth as well at the setter position. Webb played for the Redhawks softball team last season after transferring from UNLV. Webb was the Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year as a setter her senior season.

Outside Hitters

The Redhawks strength this season will come from their outside hitter position due to the experience and depth that the team returns. Junior Karleigh DeLong was selected as 1st Team All-OVC and an honorable mention AVCA All-Region selection after a stellar 2007 season and is considered one of the top returning players in the OVC after being picked 1st Team Preseason All-OVC for the upcoming season. Last season she finished second on the team with 19 double-doubles, including 12 double-doubles in her final 14 matches. She finished seventh in the OVC with 3.77 kills per game and led the team with 4.47 points per game.

“Karleigh continues to impress me more and more everytime she steps on the court,” commented Coach Nowacki.

Senior Aubrey Dondlinger made an impact last season after transferring from Parkland College as she was the only Redhawks player to start every match. The 2007 OVC All-Newcomer selection led the team with 22 double-doubles last season and finished second on the team in kills and points per game. Dondlinger was also selected as a Preseason All-OVC Team, she was picked for the Second Team.

“Aubrey will once again be looked upon as a threat on the outside,” said Coach Nowacki. “Her maturity and leadership continue to guide this program.”

Sophomore Claire Keaton cracked the starting lineup midseason and didn’t disappoint as she finished third on the team in kills and fourth in digs. She recorded eight double-doubles including a 16 kill-26 dig match at Tennessee Tech.

“I expect a breakout season from Claire,” commented Coach Nowacki. “She has the experience, the athletic ability and the mind set to be one of teh best outside hitters in the OVC.”

The Redhawks will count on a pair of newcomers for depth at the hitter positions. Junior College All-American Amanda Rickhoff and freshman Paige Dossey have bright futures ahead of them and should make an impact immediately. Middle Blocker

The middle blocker position must replace four-year starter Brenna Schlader who left ranking in the top five in career blocks, solo blocks and block assists. However the Redhawks return two players who gained experience and showed promise. Senior Kim Unnerstall started 17 matches last season before succumbing to a leg injury. She still finished third on the team in blocks despite the setback.

“We are all very anxious to get Kim back on the court,” said Coach Nowacki. “She was very promising in the middle last season and I believe she will pick right back up where she left off.”

Emily Hughes is set for a breakout campaign in 2008 after a stellar spring. Hughes was the Redhawks top player in the spring and hopes to parlay that success into the upcoming season. She started 17 matches in 2007 and finished fourth on the team in blocks.

“Emily had a breakout Spring season,” said Coach Nowacki. “She is stronger, smarter and quicker. we will rely on her heavily this season at the middle blocker position.”

Newcomer Emily Maher, a 6-0 freshman from powerhouse Marcus High School in Texas, was named one of the top defensive players in Texas last season as a prep and should contribute immediately.

Defensive Specialist/Libero

The Redhawks return one of the OVC’s best defensive players in junior Molly Davis. Davis started every game last season as the team’s libero. She finished seventh in the OVC in digs averaging 4.98 per game. Her 637 digs last season were the most digs in a season at Southeast. Davis recorded double digits in digs in every game but one last season. She also recorded 30 or more digs in three matches.

“Molly has committed herself to excellence this off season and will once again anchor our defense,” commented Coach Nowacki. “She is a true competitor.”

Sophomore Kelly Benacka will back up Davis and see action as a defensive replacement in key situations. Benacka appeared in 27 matches last season in those particular situations and will see her role increase in 2008.

“Kelly’s improved understanding of the game and her position will allow her to compete for the starting libero spot,” said Coach Nowacki.

The Schedule

In past seasons the Redhawks have never shied away from competition and this season proves no different as they will face the toughest schedule during the “Nowacki Era” in 2008. The schedule features five 2007 NCAA Tournament teams including two teams that will rank nationally in the preseason polls. The Redhawks will play in three consecutive tournaments to kick-off the season.

The season kicks-off on Aug. 29th with the Blue Raider Bash hosted by 2007 “Sweet 16” team Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The Blue Raiders went 33-2 last season and finished the season ranked 15th nationally. The tournament also features tournament team South Dakota State. Idaho joins the Redhawks to round out the tournament field.

Next the Redhawks will travel to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to participate in the Tiger Classic. Preseason Southeastern Conference favorite Louisiana State finished last season at 24-7 and made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. The Redhawks will also face Louisiana Tech and Rice in the high-profile tournament.

The Redhawks will make their final stop of the “Tournament Tour” at the Saluki Invitational in nearby Carbondale, Illinois. The Redhawks will face regional rivals Arkansas State, Western Illinois and host Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The Redhawks then open with the OVC schedule with a three-match homestand highlighted by a showdown with fellow 2007 OVC regular season champion Morehead State on September 20th.

The Redhawks will also compete in non-conference home matches against regional rivals Saint Louis University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. SIUE, the OVC’s newest member will not compete officially in volleyball until the 2011-2012. season

The Redhawks will then end the season with four-straight home matches before road contests against Austin Peay and 2007 OVC Tournament Champion and NCAA qualifier Tennessee State. Those matches will have the Redhawks tuned up for the 2008 OVC Tournament and the automatic NCAA berth.