2016 Volleyball Preview

DEFIANCE, OHIO  --  The Defiance College Yellow Jackets return the majority of their roster from their Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament semifinal team of 2015. The Yellow Jackets return five starters from the 2015 campaign and, despite the loss of all-conference libero Rebecca Kain, Defiance looks ready to return to the top of the Heartland in 2016.

Defiance finished with an overall record of 11-19 that included a tough out-of-conference schedule with multiple ranked opponents. They were able to rebound to finish the HCAC schedule at 5-4, finishing in a tie for third before exiting the postseason tournament in the semifinals.

DEFENSE

On the defensive side, DC has big shoes to fill with the exit of Rebecca Kain. There is still plenty of experience returning on the defensive side of the ball, led by senior Makayla Dennis (Bryan). Dennis played in all 114 sets played by the Yellow Jackets a year ago and finished second on the team with 323 digs (2.83 digs per set). Dennis also recorded 33 service aces and 12 set assists in 2015. 

Senior Dia Jackson (Detroit, Mich./Canton) looks to step into a bigger role for the Yellow Jackets. Having played in 105 sets a year ago, Jackson finished with 192 digs on the season. Jackson also added 12 kills and seven set assists.  Sophomore Jaidyn Patridge (Toledo/Springfield) looks to continue to battle for playing time after a great freshman campaign. Patridge had 233 digs in 110 sets as a freshman (2.12 digs per set). Patridge also added 27 set assists and 23 service aces in 2015.

The Yellow Jackets will also add two freshmen to the mix on defense, including Abigail Cronin (Lambertville, Mich./Cardinall Stritch Catholic) and Alexa St. Julian (Oregon/Clay).

HITTERS

Defiance returns all of their top hitters from last season's team with reigning All-HCAC performer Meredith Shank leading the way. Shank finished the season with 296 kills, which ties her for ninth best in the HCAC, in just 101 sets. Her 2.93 kills per set ranked her seventh in the conference.  Shank also finished with 107 digs, 25 blocks, and 18 service aces in her sophomore season and looks to step into a bigger role in 2016.

A sophomore and a senior look to continue their successful seasons of a year ago. Sophomore Marissa Windau (Castalia/Margaretta) looks to continue her success from a freshman campaign that saw her as the second option at outside hitter. Windau finished the year with 274 kills, 2.40 per set, as she played in every set. Windau was also second on the team with 31 total blocks and fourth with 24 service aces to go along with her 100 digs. The senior is Hope Neargarder (Union City/Mississinawa Valley). She was third on the team with 165 kills, average 1.56 per set in playing all but eight sets in 2015.  The senior-to-be was also third on the team with 30 total blocks.

Three others earned plenty of playing time last season and look to expand their roles. First is Brooke Plummer (Plain City/Jonathan Alder). As a freshman, Plummer finished with 104 kills while playing in 102 sets. She also added 21 blocks and 34 digs. Danielle Robbins (Westland, Mich./Wayne Memorial) garnered 95 kills  while playing in 99 sets as a sophomore, while Sydney Unger (Frankfort, Ind./Clinton Central) averaged 1.36 kills per set with 76 spikes in just 56 sets as she enters her junior season.

Joining the forces to learn from the experienced group of upperclassmen will be freshmen Jessica Davis (Delta), Jenni Davis (Delta), and Emma Seitz (Toledo/Central Catholic).

SETTERS

A year ago, senior Ari Mahaffey (Porter, Ind./Chesterton) took over the setting duties, making a huge impact, leading the Yellow Jackets in assists, blocks, and service aces. Mahaffey finished the year averaging 8.05 assists per set, marking her at fifth in the HCAC in that category. She was also fifth in the conference in service aces, finished with 37 aces with a .762 service percentage. Mahaffey finished the season with 37 blocks, also leading the team. She was third on the team in digs (297), while adding 90 kills as she was an all-around player for the Yellow Jackets.

In addition to Mahaffey, look for sophomore Megan Overmann (Lorain/Marion L. Steele) to see playing time as a setter.  Last season, Overmann played in 11 matches and 14 sets in a backup role coming off the bench.  She ended her freshman season with 13 asssists (0.93 a/s) to go along with one kill and 11 digs.

DC will also add freshman setter Madi Hollis (Burlington, Ky./Randall K. Cooper) into the fold this season.

SCHEDULE

Defiance will open the season at the Ohio Northern University Invitational in Ada, playing their first game on Friday, Sept. 2 at 4 p.m. against Ohio Wesleyan University. The Yellow Jackets will then face Trine (Ind.) University and Thomas More (Ky.) College on Saturday, Sept. 3. The Yellow Jackets open the home portion of the schedule on Tuesday, Sept. 13 against the Heidelberg University Student Princes at 7 p.m. in the Karl H. Weaner Center. DC will open conference play on Saturday, Oct. 1 with a trip to Cincinnati to face Mount. St. Joseph University.