SEATTLE — Following a spirited intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday, Seattle U volleyball now turns its attention to the unique Spring 2021 regular season and the officially start of the Michelle Cole-era.
Cole, who was named head coach for the Redhawks last February, inherited a talented group that will offer the first-year coach a solid mix of youthful enthusiasm and experience, as this season's team returns several key contributors from the 2019 outfit. Headlining the crop of returners are Spring 2021 Preseason All-WAC selections Tijana Milojevic and Eve Kerschenbaum.
Seattle U finished the 2019 season with a 13-18 record overall and made its seventh-consecutive appearance to Western Athletic Conference Tournament, however this season's team has much higher ambitions as they aim for their first-ever conference crown.
"The biggest strength of this team isn't necessarily on the court, but rather their chemistry," Cole said. "This is a great group that truly plays for one another and genuinely has each other's back. They know what they want to do won't be easy and they'll have lots of work to do but as long they stick together and work hard, anything is possible."
After several months of practice, the Redhawks are ready to show fans an updated style of play as Cole and her staff instill an exciting and high-energy brand of volleyball.
"This season we expect to play high-flying, energetic, up-beat volleyball; and our team will show their competitiveness, but will do it with a smile, said Cole. "There will also be a lot of variety. This will not be a one-offense, one-dimensional type of team. A lot of people will get looks at playing time, and we plan to make changes as necessary for each team we face, especially playing back-to-back matches. This is also a versatile group that can to play a big, heavy hitting, bruiser type of game or we can play a fast, quick, smart-type of volleyball depending on what the situation calls for."
BACKLINE
The Seattle U backline this season is highlighted by Milojevic, who has been the team's go-to libero in each of the last three years. The Belgrade, Serbia native led the Redhawks for the third-consecutive season in digs (491) and digs per set (4.09), which was complimented by her 42 aces, a mark that placed her second among conference leaders. However, Milojevic's role this season will be a bit different, as Cole will look for leadership and guidance from the team's lone senior.
"Tijana's role early was a bit more dramatic with flamboyant but that won't work with our new style," said Cole. "What we need from her is calm, collected leadership. It's been an adjustment for her early but she's embraced it and I think she's an even better player now as she starting to flourish in this new role."
The Redhawks will also have sophomore Colby Lane and freshman Kylie Waters at their disposal. The duo will provide depth and help to bolster ball control from the back line.
SETTERS
The Redhawks will have options this season to serve as catalyst for the offense as the team returns sophomore Ezgi Ozkan and redshirt-sophomore Lilly Eason.
Ozkan appeared in 23 matches last season and distributed 778 assists and averaged 9.13 per set, despite missing some time due to injury. The native of Istanbul, Turkey as registered 29 kills, 159 digs and was third among team leaders with 57 blocks. Eason meanwhile played 12 matches as a redshirt-freshman in 2019, finishing the year with 84 assists and averaging 5.25 digs per set.
Depending on what system the Redhawks are looking to run, Cole feels that both setters will be up to the task.
"The setter position for us will be just as flexible as any other spot on the court this season," said Cole. "Both ladies are talented setter, but they are very different in their skill sets, which is great and will be something we look to make the most of throughout the season."
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
There will be no shortage of experience at the middle blocker position for the Redhawks as several familiar faces return, headlined by junior Julia Queiroz, who led the team last year in blocks (105) and blocks per set (1.14). A native of Rio de Janiero, Brazil, Queiroz also finished the 2019 season ranked third among WAC leaders in blocks per set and was fourth on the team with 166 kills.
Also returning will be junior Azzia MacDonald as well as sophomores Lauren McCabe and Johnasia Carr. MacDonald saw limited action in 2019 after going down early due to injury. McCabe had 85 blocks and 102 kills in 26 matches during her first season, while Carr tallied 72 kills and 48 blocks in 19 appearances.
Freshmen Maya Patton and Sophia Bertotti Metoyer are expected to provide additional depth early, but the duo should not have to wait too long to vie for meaningful playing time as Cole is hoping to involve fresh faces quickly.
OUTSIDE HITTERS
The offensive workload will be shouldered early by the Seattle U corp of outside hitters, but should be distributed out as the season goes on. Kerschenbaum headlines the group after a breakout sophomore season that saw the Wellington, Fla., native register 401 kills, 3.46 kills per set, 40 aces, and 187 digs. She also registered a double-figure kill total in 22 of 31 matches and had eight double-doubles on the year.
Sofia Sanchez returns after knocking down 173 kills and Cole thinks the junior is posed for a special season. Sophomore Amaris Carter looks to build on a solid first season that saw her contribute with 155 kills in 24 appearances. Freshman Nicole Taylor will give the Redhawks depth at the position, but should expect to be a steady contributor and compete for playing time early. Meanwhile Sam Hayward continues to recover from last season's injury.
Seattle U volleyball opens the regular season in Orem, Utah, when it visits Utah Valley in a two-match series. Match one of the series is slated for Monday, Feb. 1, with first serve at 5 pm PT.
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