The 2008 season begins the second decade of varsity volleyball for the Â鶹ÊÓƵ University Lady Bulldogs. In the first 10 years (1998-2007), Â鶹ÊÓƵ posted a 314-101 (.757) record, 31.4 wins per year, three conference titles, two conference tournament titles, one region title, and one NAIA National Tournament appearance. Now, Â鶹ÊÓƵ head coach Steven Gream will enter his fourth season, leading his Lady Bulldogs as they work to continue the success of the program.
This year’s team returns four players from last season, all of which are seniors. Six newcomers, including two juniors, one sophomore, and three freshman, will have the opportunity to step in immediately to complete Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s starting lineup for 2008.
The senior class includes two four-year players. Amanda Hutchison Coyle and Lindsey Wallach each return for their senior seasons. Hutchison Coyle has been All-Conference and All-Region in each of her first three seasons. She reached the 1,000 kill plateau for her career as the end of her sophomore season. She only played about 75-percent of the 2007 season due to injury. Wallach has played the libero position, and also has been a back row defensive specialist during her career. CJ Neathamer and Emilie Ogas return for their second year at Â鶹ÊÓƵ after transferring in last year as juniors. Neathamer lead Â鶹ÊÓƵ last season with 419 kills. Ogas returns from her second team All-Conference performance of 391 kills.
Two juniors have transferred in to Â鶹ÊÓƵ this season including Katie Adams and Ashley Young. Adams will start for Â鶹ÊÓƵ this season as the setter and will bring experience and intelligence to the position. Young adds good blocking and attacking abilities on the front row.
The lone sophomore is Heather Lieberman who also transferred in this season. Lieberman was an All-American as a freshman and now brings her solid attacking and passing to the Â鶹ÊÓƵ program.
Three freshman begin their college volleyball careers for the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Lady Bulldogs. Lindsey Wilson adds athleticism to the squad at several positions. Anna Sims brings blocking and attacking at the middle position. Both Wilson and Sims were named All-State in high school. Katie Givens adds talent to the defensive aspect of the squad. |
