2011 Volleyball Preview

The Olivet College volleyball team is coming off one of the most successful seasons in school history. But as the Comets turn to 2011, they are going have a new look, as only three players from last year's varsity team are back.

"We have 10 returning players from the 2010 season and 10 new players to the team," said second-year Head Coach Lynnette Moster. "Of the 10 returning players, just three of them saw varsity playing time last season. With so few returning players, it is a new look to the Olivet College volleyball team.

"We are excited about each player that has returned and the new players. The preseason has been a joy to coach and there is a ton of potential with this year's team."

Senior Jordy Bergeron (Muskegon/Mona Shores), who came to Olivet from Muskegon Community College prior to the start of the 2010 season, returns to the front row. She played in 24 matches and ranked second on the team with 206 kills.

Sophomore setter Cassie McDonald (Battle Creek/Pennfield) played in 10 matches in 2010. She tore the ACL in her right knee, which caused her to miss the rest of the season. Before the injury, McDonald had 151 set assists.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Salhaney (Caledonia/East Kentwood) is the only other returning varsity player. She saw action in 25 matches during her rookie season, recording a team-leading 29 service aces. Salhaney also had 108 set assists and 130 digs.

Two transfers are going to get a chance to play at the net. Junior Kristen Sharpley (Marshall) played two years at Trinity International (Ill.) University. Sophomore outside hitter Tina Westendorp (Nashville/Maple Valley) returned to Michigan after playing one year at Florida Christian College.

Other hitters on the roster are sophomores Sarah Gandy (Battle Creek/Pennfield), Chelsea Meyer (Sherwood/Union City), Shelby Mitchell (Pinckney) and Allison Stockmeyer (Leslie/Mason), who played last year on the junior varsity team. Freshmen Emma Brann (Ann Arbor/Pioneer), Mackenzie Inman (Union City), Anna Kronner (Haslett) and Myranda Reyna (Marshall) are all going to get a chance during the preseason camp to earn a spot on this year's varsity team.

Sophomore Rachel Delaney (Battle Creek/Marshall) was the starting defensive specialist on the 2010 junior varsity team and is going to get an opportunity to play on the varsity team this year. Megan VanderVlucht (McBain) received a medical hardship last year after missing her first season because of a knee injury.

Three players are expected to battle McDonald for playing time at setter. Senior Lacee Boone (Otsego), as well as freshmen Taylor Pringle (Haslett) and Meghan Wood (Olivet) are going to get that chance.

The Comets open their season Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2-3 at the Marietta College River Classic in Marietta, Ohio. Olivet opens play Friday evening against Kenyon (Ohio) College at 5 p.m., followed by a match against the host Pioneers. On Saturday, the Comets play Methodist (N.C.) University at 10 a.m., followed by a match against Oberlin (Ohio) College.