Yellow Jacket Volleyball Ready for Upcoming Season

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College volleyball team has many new faces this season, both on the court and on the sideline. The 2012 season marks the first for Brie Brenner, a Defiance native, as the head coach of the Yellow Jackets.

Brenner inherits a team that had its fair share of ups and downs last season. The Jackets went on a streak of winning 10-of-11 matches but also had multiple four match losing streaks. DC finished with a 14-16 overall record and a 4-5 record in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play, finishing sixth in the HCAC standings.

With only one senior in the 2012 squad, the Purple and Gold will rely heavily on its upper-classmen for experience and leadership. Brenner will face the tough task of quickly meshing the returners and newcomers to form a cohesive unit. The Jackets return seven players from the 2011 team and add five fresh faces to the team.

Setters
The Yellow Jackets return one of the top setters in the HCAC from the 2011 season. Sophomore Alicia Kalik had a stellar freshman season and looks to build on last year's success. Kalik was named the HCAC Freshman of the Year for the 2011 season because of her ability to excel and make an impact on so many facets of the game. Kalik is what volleyball coaches call an "active setter" meaning she is involved in more than just setting. The sophomore recorded 776 assists, 85 kills, 141 digs and 39 total blocks. Kalik also led the team in aces with 30 last season. If Kalik builds on her success and continues to improve, the sophomore could become the top setter in the HCAC and one of the best in all of NCAA Division III.

The other setter for Defiance is fellow sophomore Alyssa Turton, who saw limited action as a freshman. Turton posted a standout performance against Illinois College on October 29 with 39 assists in a four set match. The sophomore could make an impact in the service game for the Jackets, as Turton has developed a strong serve over the offseason.

Liberos/Defensive Specialists
Senior Lindsay McDaniel and freshman Rebecca Kain will compete for playing time at the libero position for the Yellow Jackets. McDaniel played the 2011 season primarily as a defensive specialist. In that role, the senior recorded the third highest dig total on the squad with 170, an average of 1.79 digs per set. McDaniel brings experience, leadership and consistency to the young squad. Kain is looking to make an immediate impact for DC. The freshman is described as a smart player, who continually looks for ways to better her game. Regardless of which player starts, both will be counted on to anchor the backcourt and post high passing percentages to turn the defense to offense for the Yellow Jacket attack.

Sophomore Caroline Hesterman and freshmen JoNae Apps and Katey McQueary are the three defensive specialists for the Purple and Gold. Hesterman saw limited action in her freshman campaign but looks to use her year of college experience to make an impact on the 2012 season. Apps is described as a solid defender who is a consistent option on the back row. Along with being a defensive player, McQueary has the potential to help the Jackets with an impressive serve.

Middle Blockers
The Purple and Gold's middle blockers will be led by junior Alexis Pierce. The Wauseon standout recorded 156 kills last season with a .256 attacking percentage. Pierce is the top returning Jacket for total blocks, as the junior totaled 91, an average of 0.84 per set. Another asset that Pierce gives the Jackets is height. The junior is the tallest member of the undersized squad and is listed at 6-1. Joining Pierce on the front line is freshman Haley Walchle, who lacks height but makes up for in speed and athleticism. Walchle also adds versatility to DC, as the freshman can play multiple positions and is a well-rounded player.

Outside Hitters
DC will be anchored by a trio of experienced players on the outside. Juniors Christa Seidenstricker and Chelsea Ludeman will be joined by sophomore transfer Bree Anderson to create a formidable attack. Seidenstricker will make the transition from libero to outside hitter this season. The junior thrived in the defensive role but has the tools and skills necessary to make the change to outside hitter. Ludeman is looking to have a bounce-back season after an injury plagued sophomore year. The former HCAC Freshman of the Year will play the position of opposite hitter for the Jacket attack. Ludeman has improved her focus and is primed for a noteworthy season. The wildcard for the Purple and Gold will be Anderson, who transferred to DC from Tusculum College in Tennessee. The sophomore brings a relentless competitive mindset to the team and raw athletic ability. Anderson will play a major role in the Jackets success this year.

The Yellow Jackets get the season underway with the Kalamazoo Tournament on Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1. Defiance will take on Anderson and Franklin on Friday and Kalamazoo and Olivet on Saturday. The Jackets' first home game is on Wednesday, September 26 at Defiance High School against HCAC foe Earlham. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.