By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Toledo, OH---The 15th ranked Express volleyball team has three players returning from last year's 45-5 squad as the team looks to continue its OCCAC dominance and contend nationallly.
Sophomore Leaders
Setter Molly Hilfinger saw extensive action as a freshman. She finished second on the team in assists with 828 (11th highest in a single season), while accumulating 281 digs, 45 aces and 11 kills. The Anthony Wayne graduate was named the team's Most Improved Player.
"Molly is our captain and setter who distributes the ball," said 12th year head coach Sonny Lewis. "She is a very smart player."
Outside hitter Alyssa Meis moves into a full-time starting role this year after sharing time with Whitney Hoodlebrink last year. In 2011, she had 163 kills, 73 digs, 36 assisted blocks, 13 solo blocks and six assists. Lewis said she has really stepped her game up this year.
"She is going to be the player that will never come out of a game," he said. "She will play all over."
Defensive specialist Brandi Schimming was stuck behind the program's all time digs leader Ellie Comes, but accumulated 77 digs, eight aces, two kills and one assist in a reserve role as a freshman.
Tough Schedule
Based on the first NJCAA D-II poll of the season, the Express will take on nine teams ranked in the nation's top 20 this year. It is nothing new for Owens.
"Playing tough teams makes us play better, and gets us better prepared for postseason play," Lewis said. "We've always tried to do that."
Eight of those teams, plus No. 14 Monroe College, will be in the SHAC during Labor Day weekend for the Owens Invitational. Those teams include No. 2 Oakland Community College (the defending national runner-up), No. 3 Kishwaukee College, No. 6 Iowa Central Community College, No. 7 Parkland College, No. 8 Johnson County Community College, No. 9 Grand Rapids Community College, No. 12 Pasco-Hernando Community College and No. 20 Genesee Community College.
Key Losses
The team lost six sophomores and one freshman from last year's team, and eight freshmen will look to take over.
"We have some very good freshmen," Lewis said. "They are all going to contribute. And our three sophomores have led with their experience showing the freshmen our expectations."
Brittany Egbert (University of Northwestern Ohio), Comes (University of Northwestern Ohio), Julia Haupricht (Siena Heights University), Alyssa Pelish (Lourdes University), Erin Schatzle (Edinboro University) and Allison Seifker all completed their eligibility, while freshman sensation Emily Crowell decided to play at University of Northwestern Ohio.
Egbert and Comes were named NJCAA Athletic All-Americans, while Crowell was among the team leaders in kills. Schatzle led the team in assists, while Comes had her record setting season in digs.
One freshman who will help fill those losses is outside hitter/middle blocker Dakia Sellers.
"She's only 5'6", but her great jumping ability will surprise a lot of people this year," Lewis said.
Coaching Change
Angie Parisho takes over for Alison Mugler in an assistant coach.
Season Opener
The Express will take on Lansing Community College and Muskegon Community College on Aug. 24 in Lansing, MI in the first part of a two-day event. They will then take on Kalamazoo Valley Community College and No. 9 GRCC on Aug. 25. The team's home opener is the Owens Invitational from Aug. 31-Sept. 2.
Season Outlook
"I'm very pleased with their progress at this point," Lewis said. "They're better than I thought they would be with eight new freshmen coming in. We're excited to start playing. We've done well in our scrimmages, which gives us high hopes for the season."