09/04/2008
2008 Women's Volleyball Season Preview

The Clark University women's volleyball team appears to have a lot in its favor as it enters the 2008 campaign. For starters, the Cougars return seven letterwinners and welcome a strong recruiting class with players ready to step in and make an immediate contribution. In addition to losing only one starter from last year's 6-18 (1-8 NEWMAC) team, Clark should also benefit from coach Mickey Cahoons second-year at the helm.

"We have a lot of new faces," says Cahoon, "So, the chemistry is going to have to gel right from the beginning if we want to improve and get stronger. Despite the fact that we'll be starting a lot of new faces, everyone is going to have to be comfortable in their role on the team. The newcomers are going to have to step up right away and show that they are ready to be on this level."

Cahoon's game-plan emphasizes defense. After recording over 100 digs in three matches last year, the Cougars look to develop their defensive mindset even further this fall. "Hopefully we can improve on what we accomplished last year from a defensive standpoint," he says.

Junior co-captain Emily Visone will anchor a back row that includes first-year Kortney Kelley, and juniors Brittany Meadows and Kylie Kutney. Visone, who set a new mark for digs per game (4.82) last season, will start as the team's top libero, while Kelley, a member of two state champion teams (2006-2007) at Barnstable High School will make an immediate impact. Meadows will provide the team with solid passing and Kutney - one of the team's strongest servers - will also be an asset on the back row. Sophomore Lisa Taylor will also be in the mix.

Coach Cahoon will look to newcomer Nichole Lopez to run the Cougars' offense. "Nichole has been a surprise and a bright spot during preseason," Cahoon says. "While she was recruited as an outside hitter, she is going to be our starting setter. She's got a great feel for the game and should help improve our offense this year."

The addition of junior transfer Maritza Fair, a two-time All-Conference player from Franklin and Marshall College, and first-year Amira Tranchell will provide Clark with a forcible outside-hitting tandem. Sophomore Emily Corbett will also be in contention for playing time. Senior co-captain Karleen Porcena and junior Liz Magier will battle for the starting right-side spot.

While the Cougars will miss Sarah Hunsucker, who joins the coaching staff this season, rookies Kristin McGinty and Parker Edmonds should have no problem with the middle-blocking chores. McGinty owns the record for most kills and blocks per game at Vail Christian (Co.) High School, while Edmonds has both the size and skill to become a force in the middle. Standing at 6-foot-2, Nicole Sullivan rounds out the list of high-impact newcomers.

"We should be improved this season," says Cahoon. "Not only have the returnees gotten better in the off-season, but I also expect their leadership to provide a spark for some of the younger players."

In addition to a competitive NEWMAC slate, Cahoon has prepared a daunting non-conference schedule that includes the Worcester City Tournament, which features Division II Assumption College, and a weekend trip to Pennsylvania for the Swarthmore College Invitational.

"Our schedule is not going to be easy, so we have to be prepared on day one," Cahoon says. "We want to build on some of the success and improvements we made last year and hopefully move the program in a more positive direction. The character of the team and the quality of our players should help with that."