The MSOE Men's Volleyball will be looking to take another step forward in the 2009 season. This year the Raiders will be playing their second year of the Midwest-III Volleyball Conference. Head coach Brian Gibboney's team returns nine players including all six starters from last year's team that had an 8-21 overall record and a 2-2 record in M-IIIVC play. The record is misleading, as they broke into the NCAA Division III ranking for the majority of the 2008 season and defeated their first Division II opponent (Quincy) in the program's history.
This year's roster will feature three seniors including Dan Goray, who averaged 3.35 kills a set in 2008. Goray was named All-conference to go along with his 2005 All-MIVA Coleman division honor.
"Dan has been patient to see the program turn around at MSOE and last year was another step in the right direction Moving Dan to the outside mid-season helped solidify our offense. Dan was instrumental in beating NCAA Division II Quincy last year and will be our main strength in the outside hitter's position.
Talented transfer Bryce Kingsley anchors the outside position for the Raiders. In his second and last season as a Raider, Coach Gibboney will look to Kingsley to play the second outside slot, one he is familiar with from last year.
"Bryce went through some growing pains last year, which had a lot to do with changing schools and finding an identity with this team, said Gibboney." By the end of season, his hitting improved to where it was when he attended Clarke, where he was a ‘Raider killer'. His solid defensive skills make him the prototypical second left side attacker."
Also in his senior season for MSOE is 6'2" Jason Kothrade who will see action at the middle hitter position. Last year, Kothrade was second on the team with 48 blocks and fifth on the team with 106 kills.
"Jason is a three year starter in the middle. Jason always finds a way to come up with the big block. His strength is his offensive quickness: he definitely adds an offensive threat when he is in the front row.
"The offense cannot be successful in 2009, without great setting. Chris Brandt, a 2008 all-conference selection, led the team in assists with 836 and second on the team with 168 digs. He will once again be called upon to man the setter spot for the Raiders in 2008.
"He's a great athlete and grew into his role as a team leader," Gibboney said. "Not only does he get the respect from the team for skill, but also his work ethic. Other coaches have taken notice of the rise in his play and look at him as a threat."
The last of the 2008 all-conference players is 6-4 middle hitter 6'4" sophomore middle hitter Chris Reininger. Reininger led the team with 55 blocks. Reininger started half of the season for the Raiders and was a key contributor in the 3-2 win over Rivier, who was ranked, 11th in the nation.
"The first Rivier match was something special for Chris as he started to find his swing. He will definitely be a force for us at the net again this year. His strength as a two-time state champion in high school (St. Mary's in St. Louis) provides us with another proven winner in our lineup.
The big surprise for the team during the 2008 season was the progression of 6-2 Evan Simatic at the opposite position. Simatic was third on the team with 142 kills and carried a .181 hitting percentage.
At the libero position, Jon Holzbauer became indispensible at that position. He set scholl records in digs per game with 22 digs against Newbury on March 13, 2008 and was recognized nationally as a member of the 15-dig club on five separate occasions.
A returning player to watch for is 6'1" junior Glenn Frazee. Frazee will see action as an outside hitter and be counted on as a serving specialist. Senior Mike Carrillo returns to the team and will compete for time at the Libero position.
The MSOE Raiders will add some depth to their roster as an additional eight players are trying to make the team this year. "I expect middle hitter Max Martin and setter/ libero Jake Jakelski to step in and compete for playing time in their respective positions", Gibboney said. "Both players come from quality club programs and over time, they will help make our team stronger."
This year's schedule includes many opponents that are ranked among the top 15 programs in both Division I and Division III. MSOE opens their season as co-host of the Wisconsin Invitational on Jan. 16, 2009 against Division III foes Medaille, Rivier and Endicott. They will host for the first time ever NCAA Division I powerhouse Ball State University on Feb. 20, 2009. Quincy, NYU, Nazareth, UC Santa Cruz also appear on the 2009 schedule. Conference Foes Carthage and Fontbonne return to battle MSOE for the Midwest-III Volleyball Conference crown. The Division III season ends with the Molten Invitational Championship in April.
