After two consecutive nine-win seasons, Goldey-Beacom College head volleyball coach Rich Bowers believes his Lightning squad is poised for a return to the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference playoffs in 2010.
Bowers inherited a 4-25 (3-15 CACC) squad when he began his second stint at GBC and has spent the last two years getting the program back on track. This season, he would like to turn the corner.
“The primary goal for the team is to compete for a playoff spot within the conference,” Bowers said. “To accomplish that goal, we need to improve our offense and continue to play as a complete team.”
The Lightning were statistically 10th in the conference last year with a hitting percentage of .105 and finished sixth in the seven-team South Division with a conference mark of 4-15. But with a few valuable additions to the roster, Bowers said this team has the potential to be better offensively.
“We’re looking for newcomer Rebecca Stoffer [a junior transfer from Cecil College] to be a major offensive threat from the middle hitting position,” Bowers explained. “Also, we think we'll be able to move Monica Dempsey back to the setter position, where she is at her best.”
Dempsey, one of four starters and seven letterwinners returning from the 2009 squad which had an overall record of 9-22, was a big part of the Lightning’s offensive attack as a freshman last year. A natural setter, she led the team with 404 assists and 40 service aces, but often was forced to play outside hitter because of the team’s offensive troubles.
Back for her sophomore season, Dempsey can be a huge asset if she is able to stay put at her setter position throughout the year.
“Monica’s setting will be the glue for our offense this year,” Bowers said. “She is the quiet leader of the team as captain.”
Another key returnee is junior Roni Shaner, who led the team last year in kills with 179 and was second in service aces (39) and assists (213). Shaner is what Bowers calls a “jack of all trades” as she can play a variety of positions on the court.
“Her versatility allows us to be flexible with the team lineup,” he said. “She will be a major factor in our offense this year.”
Junior Amanda Mills and sophomore Renee DeLeo should also give the team a bit more firepower, according to Bowers.
"The additional year of experience for Amanda Mills and Renee DeLeo should help the continued growth of our offense this coming year," Bowers said. "Their skills have improved each year, and they both worked hard in the offseason."
Bowers also pointed to the six-foot tall sophomore Catherine Howard as a player to watch if the Lightning want to qualify for the CACC Tournament for the first time since 2006. Howard appeared in eight matches (20 sets) and pitched in with nine kills and 11 blocks in 2009.
“She has worked very hard on her game since the end of last season,” Bowers said. “Her progress in the middle will be a key factor for our offense.”
Two talented players from last year’s roster who will not be returning this season are graduates Kellyn Nolan and Christine Hudock. Nolan finished her two-year career last Fall ranked No. 10 on the school’s career kills list with 280 and Hudock ranks third on the career digs list with 1,327.
Bowers said he is counting on Stoffer and senior defensive specialist A.J. Hicks to fill the void left by these two outstanding former players.
“A.J. should step into Christine’s spot and Rebecca should fill Kellyn’s role,” Bowers said. “A.J. will be the key to our defense, and as captain, plays a huge leadership role.”
Hicks enters the 2010 season ranked sixth on the school’s career digs list with 679. As Hudock’s backup last year, she played 19 matches (87 sets) and collected 192 digs.
Bowers also expects incoming freshman Stephanie Kline (Frederick, Md./Frederick HS) to make a major contribution as a defensive specialist.
Senior Lauren Witzke, who finished her softball career at GBC this past Spring, will also add speed and quickness to the Lightning's defense this year as she concentrates solely on volleyball this year, Bowers said.
GBC was picked to finish right where it did last season (6th, South Division) in the 2010 CACC pre-season coaches poll. Only the top four teams in each division qualify for the tournament.
The Lightning will play two pre-season scrimmages against Cecil College. The first is at Cecil on Aug. 28 at 11 a.m. and the second is at home on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. Then they will open the 2010 season at Bowie State on Sept. 2 at 6 p.m.
CACC Pre-Season Coaches' Poll Release
