2009 Volleyball Outlook

Aug. 20, 2009

ADRIAN, Mich. - The Adrian College volleyball program will be directed by first-year head coach Elisa Joris in 2009. Joris served as assistant coach for the first time in 2008 and was a standout player at the Division II level during her collegiate career. The team returns 15 student-athletes but must replace five seniors who saw a lot of time and provided solid leadership.

The cupboard is far from bare for the Bulldogs who stumbled a bit to a 15-15 record in 2008. The team is looking to once again establish themselves as a force in the MIAA and challenge for the conference crowd year in and year out. Senior setter Natalie Niblock (White Pigeon, Mich.) has two full years of experience and recorded 8.94 assists per set last year. She also recorded 288 digs, 86 kills and 23 service aces.

The outside hitters who will see action will be Mary Rinke (Romeo, Mich.) and Courtney Sellers (Clinton Twp., Mich./Lakeview). Rinke saw action in 22 matches and started nine times as a junior. She recorded 87 kills and 125 digs. Sellers played in 26 matches and started 17 times as a junior. She was one of the most improved players on the team in 2008 and recorded 133 kills and 238 digs. She also had 26 blocks and 14 service aces for the Bulldogs.

The middle hitters include a duo that played a significant role in 2008 and will be looked upon to do so again in 2009. Rebecca Tincknell (Troy, Mich.) and Valerie Smith (Wyandotte, Mich./Roosevelt) started a combined 26 matches a year ago and both had over 150 kills. Tincknell finished with 162 kills and 1.86 kills per set while Smith had 178 kills and 1.63 kills per set. Tincknell also had 60 blocks and Smith led the team with 104 blocks.