Volleyball Stands Sixth In OAC Preseason Coaches' Poll

The Heidelberg College volleyball team, under the guidance of eighth-year head coach Jason Miller, has been selected to finish sixth in the 2007 Ohio Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

Ohio Northern University, the winner of the league title for the last seven seasons, has been selected to finish first with nine votes, while Capital University stands in second with one first place vote. Rounding out the top five is Mount Union College, Baldwin-Wallace College and Otterbein College. Muskingum College was selected to finish seventh followed by John Carroll University, Marietta College and Wilmington.

In 2007, Heidelberg returns 11 letter winners, including five starters from its 2006 squad that racked up 22 victories. The 22 victories from a season ago stands third all-time in the history of the program. The Berg opened the year victories in 13 of its first 14 matches.

Looking to have a continued presence in the middle will be senior Laurie Patrick (Bellevue, Ohio / Bellevue) and junior Emily Hurlburt (St. Mary’s, Ohio / Memorial), while junior Audra Vucic (Lancaster, Ohio / Fisher Catholic) will patrol the right side. Patrick returns after leading the Berg in kills with 415 and blocks with 136 a year ago. Hurlburt provided a strong dual threat at middle hitter in 2006, backing Patrick with 308 kills and 121 blocks. Vucic stood third on the team with 249 kills as a sophomore.

Looking to lead the offense for the second-straight year will be sophomore Morgan Magers (Green Springs, Ohio / Old Fort). Magers dished out a Heidelberg single-season record 1,391 assists in her freshman campaign.

Heidelberg opens its 2007 season Labor Day Weekend at the Capital Purple and White Invitational. The Berg squares off against Hiram Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m. in game one of the invitational.