ANGOLA, IND.-- The Trine volleyball team is set to open the season this Friday at the MIAA/HCAC Crossover Challenge at Manchester University.
The Thunder return a wealth of experience across the board, with the only significant loss from last season being libero Carlee Felber. Leading the way is returning Second-Team All-MIAA setter Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey), who will be counted on to set the Trine attack once again. Despite being a multi-sport athlete and not being able to practice with the team in the spring, head coach Jamie Wozniak and the rest of the Trine coaching staff have seen significant imrpovement from the senior. Searles averaged 8.63 assists, 2.89 digs and 1.20 kills per set last season.
The team will once again focus on running a balanced attack, with junior Taylor Rabel (Muncie, Ind./Muncie Central), Lauren Verkamp (Franklin, Ind./Franklin Community) and Megan Verkamp (Franklin, Ind./Franklin Community) returning as Trine's primary weapons on the outside. Rabel led the team in averaging 3.41 kills per set last season. The Verkamps added 2.09 and 1.95 kills per set respectively. Olivia Deck (Lansing, Mich./Grand Ledge)and Laura Hartman (Laingbsurg, Mich./Laingsburg) will also look to contribute to the Thunder attack.
Key returners Breanna Arnold (Lombard, Ill./Glenbard East), Erin Lewis (Farmland, Ind./Winchester Community) and Bridget Marlow (Trafalgar, Ind./Indian Creek) will help to anchor the Thunder defensively. The coaching staff has seen the Thunder take a lot of pride in defending the back court, allowing very few balls to reach the floor during practice.
Rounding out the returners, Jennifer Vlasic (New Carlisle, Ohio/Tecumseh) and Kelbie Titus (Vaparaiso, Ind./Washington Township) will provide depth at the right side and middle positions.
"As coaches, we have many options offensively and defensively," said head coach Jamie Wozniak. "From top-to-bottom, this is the most athletic and hard-working team we have had in the five seasons I've been at Trine. The team culture that the upperclassmen have adopted and the underclassmen have bought into is a dream for any coach."
Eight freshman will challenge the Trine returners for playing time. Mikayla Carpenter (Huntington, Ind./Huntington North) figures to make an impact defensively and on the serve receive. Carpenter played for two sectional champs and is her high school's all-time leader in career and single-season digs. Kaylyn Gindling (Sunman, Ind./East Central) will also help with ball control after a high school career that included all-conference honors.
Blockers Chelsea Bettis (Elkhart, Ind./Elkhart Memorial) and Emma Bowman (St. Joseph, Mich./St. Joseph) will provide a presence at the net. Bettis was an all-conference performer who was named Team MVP at Elkhart Memorial in 2013. Bowman earned Academic All-State honors her senior season.
Regan Miller (Sterling Height, Mich./Stevenson) and Samantha Ihrie (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) are in the mix for time at setter after serving as team captains in high school.
Annie Phillips (Noblesville, Ind./Noblesville) looks to make an immediate impact at the service line. Phillips and Madison Cook (Kendallville, Ind./East Noble) will challenge for time on the outside. Phillips was a third-team all-county performer in high school, while Cook was named to the KPC All-Area Team.
"We could not have asked for a better freshman class this year," said Wozniak. "They have added enthusiasm and depth to our roster."
"Returners are taking freshman under their wing and without the coaching staff having to say anything. After only a week of practice, they act as if they have been teammates for three years. It is very encouraging and we look for that to translate into our performance on the court."
The Thunder open the season this Friday, Aug. 29 at the MIAA/HCAC Challenge in Manchester, Ind. Trine open against Rose-Hulman at 3 p.m. For the complete schedule click HERE.
Trine was predicted to finish fourth in the MIAA by the league's coaches in the conference preseason poll.