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Sep 16, 2009

Volleyball 2009 Season Preview


Pomona Pitzer Volleyball is coming off a great 20 win season in 2008 and is looking to continue the trend in 2009.  Graduating only 2 seniors, the squad returns 8 players and adds 5 talented newcomers.  The Sagehens lost Honorable Mention All American Libero Ruchi Patel, who capped off her career earning First Team All West Region and repeating as the Libero selection on the First Team All SCIAC.  She amassed 1,379 digs and ranks 5th on the Career Dig List.  Also graduating was Megan Prior a 3 time All SCIAC selection, 2007 First Team All West Region and 2007 Honorable Mention All America.  Megan leaves us making her mark in the record books as the Career Leader in Block Assists (234), second in Career Total Blocks (279) and 4th in Career Aces (124) as well as other Career and Single Season marks.

OUTSIDE HITTERS:

Senior Sarah Amos lead the way after pacing the Hens last year averaging 2.65 kills per game, collecting 199 kills and 31 blocks.  Sophomores Jordan Hammond (225 kills, 28 blocks) and Carly Hite (70 kills, 2.06 kills per game) will also compete and add depth to this very important position.  Freshman Anna Miller will also compete for court time.

OPPOSITES:

Eleanor Hughes (PO ’11) and Christine Chan (PO ’11) will lead the battle for the right side position.  El tallied 101 kills and 42 blocks while Chris added 12 blocks in her back up role last year.  I expect a battle between these two this season.

SETTERS:

Kenzie Aries (PI ‘ 12) returns to lead the way.  After playing the role of setter-hitter in a 6-2 last season, Kenzie is expected solely to run the offense still allowing her a strong offensive attack.  Kenzie garnered 349 assists, 121 kills and 262 digs in 2008.  Backing up Kenzie in the setter position is freshman Caitlyn Gumaer (PI ’13).  Caitlyn could see time not only setting, but in a defensive role.

MIDDLES:

Senior Dana Kittrelle will lead the way in the middle.  Already ranking 3rd both in Career Total Blocks (201) and Career Block Assists (186), Dana is looking to add to her totals.  Freshmen Rachel Bollens and Erin Toothaker will step in and battle, strengthening the middle position for the Sagehens.

DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS:

Heidi Leonard (PO '12) will help lead the  defensive effort. She played a solid role as a freshman tallying 197 digs for a 2.19 dig per game average and only 12 reception errors.  Lauren Kim joins the Sagehens and looks to be a force for us in the backcourt.