Aug 31, 2007

2007 Women's Volleyball Preview

A brand new coach, a brand new conference, and many new players will dot the roster of the 2007 Villa Julie Women's volleyball team this season. After spending 11 years as the Head Varsity Coach of Liberty High School, coach Dave Trumbo comes to VJC with a positive outlook and a great deal of winning experience. During his tenure at Liberty, he coached the Lions to a 167-31 record, back to back state championships, 8 state title appearances, 8 county championships, and a 49 match winning streak.

The Mustangs will need all his experience and more to compete in the very powerful Capital Athletic Conference. The likes of Salisbury, Gallaudet, York, Marymount, Mary Washington, St. Mary's and a host of others will grace the schedule this season. They will provide quite a challenge for the Mustangs after a successful stint in the NEAC the last few years.

The 2007 roster has only 6 talented returning veterans, but it is also filled with many exciting, athletic newcomers that could prove to be very valuable in the development of the program. Leading the group of returning veterans are All-Conference performers sophomore Marisa Bender (Hagerstown, MD/S. Hagerstown) and junior Julie Olson (Keene, NH/Spofford). Bender, an outside hitter, led the Mustangs in kills last season with 4.07 kills/game and in aces with 78. Olson, a libero, provided excellent defense as she led the team with almost 4 digs/game. Also returning is senior Bridget Forney (Leonardtown, MD/Leonardtown), a very versatile player that will be looked to for leadership and experience. Junior, Shelly May (Bel Air, MD/Fallston) will provide firepower from her middle blocker position and junior Jessica Smiley (Baltimore, MD/Kenwood) will provide valuable contributions as a setter and defensive specialist. Sophomore, Katie Benham (Rising Sun, MD/Rising Sun) returns for a solid freshman year as the team's second leading hitter. She could contribute from many different positions this season. Senior, Christy Calahan (Bel Air, MD/John Carroll) returns to the squad after a year's absence. Christy, a natural left hander will provide a strong presence at the net from her right side position.

Two transfers are expected to make an immediate impact for the Mustangs this season. Two time junior college All-American Alana Eller (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial) enjoyed a tremendous career at Howard Community College. Eller, a junior, is a 5'6'' outside hitter that has a wide variety of shots in her repertoire. Setter Brittany Umetin (Havre de Grace, MD/Mt. Zion), played her freshman year at University of New Haven. At New Haven, she accomplished All-Conference status and will provide valuable experience to the Villa Julie program this season.

Two players that joined us last spring are Jen Schissler (Sykesville, MD/Liberty) and Jen Schaeffer (Westminster, MD/Winter Mill). Schissler played for Coach Trumbo at Liberty High School and Schaeffer was a member of an arch rival team in the same county. Both will vie for playing time as defensive specialists and bring skill and spirit to the squad.

VJC also has four freshmen in the class of 2007. Dani Katsampis (New Windsor, MD/Francis Scott Key), a 2^nd Team All-Metro performer, will supply athletism and power to the line-up. Middle Blocker Alex Mercer (Eldersburg, MD/Liberty), a Carroll County All-County player, and Brianna Voorhees (Bel Air, MD/Fallston) from Fallston High School will provide much needed blocking and size in the middle. Setter/Defensive Specialist Lindsay Stiepler (Bel Air, MD/Fallston) provides depth at the setter position and defense in the back row.


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