2007 Volleyball Preview

For the Heidelberg College volleyball team victories during the regular season have no meaning until they lead to victories in the postseason. The Berg racked up 22 wins in 2006, which stands third all-time in the history of the program, but that first postseason win has eluded the Berg in 15 trips to the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament.

Heidelberg’s goal of winning beyond the regular season is well within reach with 11 letter winners, including five starters, returning for eighth-year head coach Jason Miller in 2007. To help excel Heidelberg to the next level is a schedule that features nine opponents that made an appearance in the 2006 NCAA Championships, along with strong leadership from seniors Kristy Bollenbacher and Laurie Patrick, as well as sophomore setter Morgan Magers. Also looking to carry a leadership role in their final season is Whitney Magers, Katie Jones, Kendra Orwig and Tracy Sutter.
 
Patrick, an OAC Third Team honoree in 2006, returns as the leading hitter and blocker and has a dominate personality to help guide the hitters, while fellow classmate and defensive specialist Bollenbacher has stepped up her leadership with Heidelberg’s defensive unit following the graduation of Heidelberg’s career digs record holder Megan Kempf. Morgan Magers, although in just her second season, will once again be looked at to lead the offense. Morgan Magers stepped in as a freshman a year ago and dished out a single-season record 1,391 assists.
 
Joining Patrick in the middle is junior Emily Hurlburt. Hurlburt stepped into a starting role as a sophomore and was a solid support system for Patrick. Hurlburt will be looked at to continue her strong play and will be pushed from sophomores Amanda Atchison and Amanda Montgomery and freshmen Brittany Nesbitt and Courtney Richardson.
 
Controlling the right side in 2007 will be junior Audra Vucic. Vucic can control a game and will strive for more consistency. Adding depth on the outside will be seniors Whitney Magers and Jones, along with junior Kelsey Elliott. Whitney Magers is a versatile hitter, which can also earn points for Heidelberg with her jump serve. Jones is a very athletic and explosive player on the court, while Elliott has improved on her ability to put down a kill. Heidelberg will gain added improvement at outside hitter from newcomers Danielle Williams, Suzy Street, Elizabeth Weithman, Rachele Rankin and Brittany Williams.
 
Supporting Heidelberg’s defense alongside Bollenbacher will be seniors Orwig and Sutter and athletic freshman Brittany Donelan. Orwig is a strong defender, while Sutter has proven to be a spark plug off the bench over the course of the last three years. Also looking to support Heidelberg’s defense will be freshmen Corine Williams, Courtney Vanderpool and Claire DesErma.