A NEW ERA: For the first time in nine years, there will be a new leader of the Seattle U volleyball program, as James Finley comes on as the head coach of the Redhawks. He is faced with a challenging schedule, starting with five matches in five days over the Labor Day weekend. Seattle U leaves Thursday morning for Ogden, Utah, and the Weber State Wildcat Weekend Tournament. After returning to Seattle Saturday night, the Redhawks host Eastern Washington on Labor Day, the only non-conference home match of the season, before making the short trip to Montlake to face perennial volleyball power Washington Sept. 3.
COMING BACK: Seattle U welcomes six letterwinners back from the 2012 campaign. Offensively, Sarah Jaeckel finished second on the team in kills with 253 (2.32 k/set), plus she was third in service aces with 21 and fifth in digs with 219. Karli Pedone enjoyed her best season as a Redhawk in 2012, seeing action in 79 sets and collecting 133 kills (1.68 k/set). Defensively, Allison Farley led the squad at the net with 74 total blocks, while the back row was patrolled by Lani Beadle, who finished third in the WAC with 467 defensive digs (4.21 digs/set) throughout the season. Alec Goodrie returns for her junior season after appearing in 41 sets for the Redhawks in 2012. McKenzie Daniels was a big help to the Seattle U defense, finishing fourth on the team with 228 defensive digs (2.21 digs/set), plus she collected 14 service aces, tied for fourth-most on the squad. Two other members of the 2012 roster, Grace Boyer-Quick and Abby Blanchard, redshirted last season and will be battling for playing time this year.
WHAT’S NEW?: Eight players join the Seattle University volleyball team for the 2013 season. Martina Samadan is a 6-5 sophomore transfer from VCU who finished fourth in the country in blocks per set last season. Two other transfers also join the Redhawks: Stephanie Stoll is a 6-2 middle blocker who played at Tennessee the past two seasons, while Andi Vordermann comes to Seattle U after playing her freshman year at CSU San Marcos. Five true freshmen round out the 2013 roster, including two players who will look to become the starting setter: Kerry Lane (Tucson, Ariz.) and Kirstin Schauble (Meadow Vista, Calif.). The other three first-year players are outside hitters, with Sydney Schafer hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah. The other two both call Croatia home: Iris Ivanis (Pozega, Croatia) and Matea Mamic (Split, Croatia).