Women's Volleyball Season Preview
Losing all time digs leader Theresa Narveson from last year's squad could hurt the MSOE's starting lineup, but they return four of last year's starters and have a great incoming freshman class to compete for starting roles.
The key to the Raider's offensive attack is in the arms of their outside hitters, Kelli Mavis (Sheboygan Falls, Wis. /Sheboygan Falls High School) and Alli Sowinski (Franklin, Wis./Pius XI High School). Mavis, a 5-8 senior, has 942 career kills and averaged 3.15 points per game (ppg) for the Raiders. Sowinski, a 5-10 junior, tallies 993 kills for her career and averaged 5.13 ppg last season leading all Raiders in hitting.
The Raiders are also solid at middle hitter, returning senior Paige Ganske (Greenfield, Wis./Greenfield High School) and Ashley Brown (Marion, Iowa, Marion High School) to anchor the front line. Ganske was the team's second-leading blocker with .80 blocks per games, while Brown averages .48 bpg.
A major contributor to the team's success will be junior setter Erika Glapinski (Hubertus, Wis./Arrowhead High School). She led the team in assists last season and is second on the all-time career list with 1429.
Defensively, Mavis and Glapinski both were second and third on the team in digs with 4.5 and 4.0 per game, respectively. Sophomore Rosa Cefalo (Waukesha, Wis. /Wuakesha North High School) will be expected to help as defensive specialist.
The Raiders have an influx of solid freshman to challenge for starting roles. Stephanie Pichotta (Mountain, WI/Suring High School) could compete for playing time either as an outside or right side hitter. Adas Yang (Hudson, WI/Hudson Senior High School) will vie for the libero position vacated by Narveson's graduation.
Narveson will join the MSOE Coaching staff this season, along with former MSOE Standout Julie Wasielewski. Third year assistant Paul Bierdemann returns as Stikel's number one assistant.
This will be the Raiders first year in the NAC and they expect to compete against some old Lake Michigan Conference foes. Old foes Lakeland, Marian and Concordia-Wisconsin should provide entertaining matches, while matches against newer rivals Aurora, Rockford and Benedictine will push the Raiders to their limits.
MSOE opens their season at the Ripon Tournament on August 31, followed by a series of quadrangulars over the three-month season. Another highlight on the year is the MSOE quadrangular, held at the Kern Center on October 6, Parent's Day. They complete their regular season at the UW-Stevens Point quadrangular on Saturday, October 27, before entering the Northern Athletic Conference playoffs on Tuesday, October 30.
