MSOE men's volleyball season preview
|
Published: 01/16/2012 |
|
|
In 2011, the MSOE men's volleyball team had one of their best seasons ever, collecting the second most wins in the team's history. Their best season came in 2010, when they defeated three top ten teams on their way to a Midwest-III Conference Championship.
The Raiders are looking at facing new challenges as they make the move to the new Continental Volleyball Conference (CVC) and a shot at the automatic bid to the first NCAA Division III Championship for men's volleyball. The CVC is comprised of ten teams from across the nation, as the Raiders will play in the West Division. The top three teams in each division advance to the CVC Tournament, April 13-14 to be held at Thiel College in Greenville, Pa.
In 2011, MSOE graduated middle hitter Chris Reininger and outside hitter Mitch Paulus while junior David Johnson is in Germany as part of an MSOE exchange program, but return five starters, including Midwest-III Volleyball All-Conference First Team selection Max Martin (Schaumburg, Ill./Hoffman Estates). Along with Martin, the Raiders will rely on second team selections Jack Geary (Milwaukee, Wis./Marquette) and Alex Harbour (Middleton, Wis./Middleton).
Martin, a 6'7" opposite, currently leads the Raiders in career kills within a three-year span. Martin finished the season ranked 20th in the nation with 40 service aces, averaging .43 aces per set. He is also ranked nationally in kills per set (33, 3.13 kps), blocks per set (67, 0.65 bps), hitting percentage (68, .212) and digs per set (88, 1.698). Martin led the team in points (370), service aces (40) and second on the team in digs (159) and total blocks (61).
"Max has improved tremendously since his freshman year," said head coach Brian Gibboney. "What has pleased me the most about his improvement has been his ability to lead his teammates. He is a very talented athlete and is reaching his potential as a leader and a volleyball player. I've enjoyed the four years Max has been part of the program."
Geary, a 6'4" sophomore middle hitter, was the 2010 Midwest-III Freshman of the Year and All-Conference selection. In 2011, he ranks ninth in blocks per set (1.0) nationally. For the season, Geary was first on the team in total blocks (97), second in total points (216) and points per set (2.23), third with 141 kills and had a .251 hitting percentage.
"Jack will tell you that 2011 was not the year that he wanted and I believe that things will be different in 2012," Gibboney said. "He is very focused and determined to improve statistically from last year and prove that he is one of the best middles in the CVC." His determination to win and succeed as player is second to no one on this years' roster."
Harbour was the sophomore surprise for the Raiders last year. Harbour, a 6"2"sophomore outside hitter, was second on the team in kills (146) and points per set (2.30), third in total points (168.0) and fourth in digs per set (.95).
"The coaching staff knew Alex could be a potential key player on this team and last year, he made strides to do just that," Gibboney said. "I expect him to be a leader on the court and a 'go to' player for our team to succeed in 2012."
Junior libero John Cote (Orland Park, Ill./Carl Sandburg), who had 195 digs in 29 matches for the Raiders, also returns to the starting lineup.
"John will be counted upon to be the defensive thread to hold this team together," Gibboney said. "I expect him to improve on his fine performance in 2011."
The setting position is again up for grabs as Matt Morrone (Worth, Ill./Shephard) and Josh Avery (Bolingbrook, Ill./Neuqua Valley) shared setting responsibility for MSOE. Both sophomores in 2012, Morrone tallied 374assists at 6.3 per set, playing in 59 sets, while Avery had 535 assists at 7.5 per set in 71 sets.
"Both setters have great assets that the team needs to win," Gibboney said. "They will be battling all season for playing time and I expect both Matt and Josh to be great contributors throughout the season."
Senior captain John Buczynski (Nottingham Park, Ill./Reavis) looks to take the other starting outside position for the Raiders. Buczynski had 76 kills, 78 digs and 14 blocks in 2011.
"John has always been the 'quiet kid' on the team but since becoming a captain in 2011, he has changed his role a bit," Gibboney said. "He has been a good compliment to Max as a captain. His passing skills are second to none on this team and his improved hitting and blocking technique will further strengthen this team."
Other freshman looking to challenge for a starting outside position includes Nick Manning (Salem, Wis./Westosha Central) and Gregory Magrum (Mokena, Ill./Lincoln Way East).
"Nick and Greg come from solid club programs as both will provide strength off the bench and will compete for starting positions throughout their career here at MSOE." Gibboney said.
Despite losing two middles for the 2012 season, the Raiders have three newcomers to step in and help Geary anchor the net. Brian Main (Lamar, Mo./Lamar) transfers in from the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he played on the club team. In 2010, Main and partner Aaron Hrenak won the under 20 USA Volleyball Beach Championships. Sebastian Borgdering, a 6'5" exchange student from Lübeck, Germany will play in his only year in the states. Freshman Daniel Starkey (Round Lake, Ill./Grant Community) also looks to contribute in the middle for the Raiders this season.
"The three middles complement each other," Gibboney said. "One is a balanced package, one is an offensive threat and the third a defensive gem. Look for all three to contribute greatly in 2012."
MSOE opens their season on the road against NAIA semifinalist Cardinal Stritch Jan. 20. The Raiders have a spectacular home season, co-hosting the Wisconsin Invitational March 16-18 and hosting the second CVC divisional weekend.
"We are excited to join the new Continental Volleyball Conference for 2012 and challenge for the conference title and a trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament," Gibboney said. "We have two national powers in our division in Carthage and UC Santa Cruz, while another waits for us in the East Division in Juniata College. We have a tough road ahead of us, but are extremely excited about the challenges ahead for us for 2012."
