Volleyball preview

With a 21-12 record last season, and a 12-2 record in the WVIAC, the Shepherd Rams volleyball team has a high standard to hold itself to in its 2010 campaign. 

With the departure of six seniors, all of which contributed to the team's success, this year's team will be missing the experience and veteran leadership of those players.

However, volleyball coach Sarah Smith has a confident and realistic set of expectations for her players.

"We have talent that exceeds last year's team, but nothing can make up for experience." said Smith, but sees plenty of upside in this year's squad, including a winning mentality and a high level of play before entering college.

Smith enters her sixth season as the Rams head coach and looks to continue to build on last year's success with a core of returning player while expecting the newcomers to step up.

The team will have several key returning players, starting with sophomore outside hitter Kasey Mercier, who saw plenty of playing time in her 120 games as a freshman.

Mercier averaged 2.33 kills per a game on offense while also digging out an average of 2.55 balls per a game on the defensive side.

Sophomore outside hitter Lauren Gardner also returns and looks to be a force again for the Rams. Last season she averaged 2.04 kills per a game, while digging out points at a rate of 2.20 per a game.

Junior setter Lauren Jeschelnik is back after appearing in 88 games last season for the Rams, averaging 7.57 assists per a game, with an auspicious, though unholy, total of 666 on the season. Jeschelnik also total 88 blocks last season, and looks to increase that total with more playing time this year.

With a group of experienced returning players, the Rams hope to carve their way through the season and into a first round bye in the WVIAC tournament.

"Our goal is the top four in the conference," Smith said, "Once we get to quarters and semi final matches, any team can win."

The team has a high bar set compared to last year's team, and, with the departure of six players from last season's squad, only time will tell if this year's team can fill in the gaps.

The returning players certainly aren't inexperienced, nor are the new to playing at a high level.

Smith hopes her team can reach and go above last season's achievements, but knows that it is ultimately up to her players to go far.

"These women need to come together and decide on their destiny.  After all, as coaches, we give them tools to succeed, they make it happen."