Volleyball Opens 2015 Season This Week
8/27/2015 4:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
By Andrew Call
When Wright State volleyball coach Susan Clements watched the Raiders during their four spring 2015 tournaments, she began seeing glimpses of the team she always knew would be there.
“During the spring, you could see us making a definite turn toward becoming a much better team,” Clements said. “You could see their confidence grow.
“When young players are looking at each other at the end of a close match, looking for someone to make the big play, not a lot of freshmen are ready to wear that hat. But, during the spring, you could see they were ready to not be freshmen any more.”
The young players who experienced growing pains during 2014 (5-23 overall, 2-12 Horizon League) are now a more confident group with more experience, fewer jitters and a clear-cut goal—to qualify for the Horizon League's postseason tournament for the first time since 2008.
“Last year, in the moment, it was discouraging, but we always kept the big picture in mind,” junior middle blocker Haley Garr said. “When you look at how many people are returning and how much experience they have, it makes you excited for the season to start.”
The Raiders start their season Aug. 28-29, hosting the Holiday Inn Classic. The team leaders in every major statistical category last year will be in uniform again.
Jessie Thornton was named to the Horizon League all-freshman team after leading the Raiders with 532 digs. Sophomore Katie Klusman led the team with 230 kills. Sophomore Maddie Lohmeier accumulated a team-high 913 set assists. Senior Marisa Aiello had 79 blocks and sophomore Rachel Kremer 15 service aces.
Sophomore Megan Hopkins was third on the team with 218 kills, while Garr had 204 kills and 66 blocks. Senior defensive specialist Katie Glassmeyer was third on the team with 183 digs.
Garr and junior defensive specialist Miranda Puthoff will serve as team captains.
“We have an older team with more experience and better chemistry,” Puthoff said.
Junior Alana Smith, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, is joined on the roster by four freshmen. Meghan Weber, a setter from Illinois high school powerhouse Benet Academy, is likely to quickly see significant playing time. Hadley Sterett played on an Ohio state champion team at Huron. Louisville Assumption won three state titles during Bailey Wheatley's four years there. Alannah Lemming's Lexington team advanced to the Ohio district finals.
“Our ability to play as one unit, not as individuals, is going to be the key,” Clements said. “We don't have superstars, but we have athletes who can play very well if they play together.”
