(Neb.)-CSC volleyball team staying busy this preseason

By: Andrew Lacy Posted at: 08/13/2012 10:56 PM
CHADRON – The Chadron State College volleyball team had a busy first day Monday in Chadron.

The Eagles, who went 5-25 in 2011, began their day by meeting with Dr. Randy Rhine, interim president at Chadron State College. Following Rhine's presentation to the team, they took individual and team photos and then practiced until lunch.

Following their meal, the team had another practice session and then went through a conditioning session to round out the day. “We threw a lot at them today but they did a nice job of adjusting and it was easy to see how excited all of them were to be here,” interim head coach Janel Baily said.

Two-a-day practices, coupled with conditioning sessions and intrasquad scrimmages, are scheduled throughout the remainder of the week.

Helping the newcomers – the Eagles opened camp with 20 players, including eight new to the program – learn drills and practice techniques are CSC’s veterans. A majority of the returners have seen court time and all six of the Eagles’ top returners have been in the program at least three seasons.

Last season, Mallory Irvine, a junior from Ravenna, led the team with 183 kills in 2011 while hitting .222. She also had a team-high 85 blocks, while Mollie Jones, a senior from Longmont, Colo., and a three-year starter, was second with 162 kills.

The Eagles also return savvy veterans in Lexi Hoagland, a senior from Gordon, Kristina Harter, a senior from Colorado Springs who led the team in digs, Jessica Jester, a junior from Cheyenne, Wyo., and Ashley Bargen, a junior from Chadron.

Other key returners include setters Michaela Schmitt and Alyssa Bauer, outside hitters Barbie DeCent and Erika Roybal, and middle hitter Kelcey Christian.

With the addition of Aileen Ramirez and Alliance native, Alyssa Clarke, the Eagles have also added to their depth in the back row. The incoming players are Dakota Clough of Ogallala, Arielle Boone of Buffalo, Wyo., Justine Ackie of Phoenix, Danielle Hundley of Upland, Calif., Shannon Durck, Shelby Austin and Allison Munk, all of Colorado Springs.

Chadron State will open its season Aug. 31 at the Northern State Tournament. The Eagles will make their home debut Sept. 28 against Colorado Christian in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference match.

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