MC Volleyball program looks to build on last season's success
2004 Volleyball Outlook

Aug. 13, 2004
MARIETTA, Ohio - After last season’s incredible finish, The 2004 Pioneers are nothing but enthusiastic about the upcoming year. With Tom Symons as the new head coach, two new assistants and 10 returning upperclassmen, the Pioneers are ready for a very challenging and exciting season.

“Last season marked a great step for the program in winning its first OAC Tournament match in in 17 years,” said Symons. "The team looks to continue that push toward the top of the OAC in 2004."

Symons inherits a team that went 18-13 overall and 4-5 in the conference last season, advancing to the semifinal of the OAC tournament. However, the Pioneers lose a great deal of leadership from that squad as Rachel Boudreau, Salena McIlwain, Erin Niebling, Erin Perry, Heather Rognon, Alison Ruff and Lindsey Swank all finished their collegiate careers following the semifinal match.

Returning for the Pioneers is senior strong side hitter Ashley Webster, who averaged 1.88 kills, 0.34 aces and 3.26 digs per game in 2003. Webster, a tri-captain, tied the school record for aces in a three-game match, when she recorded eight aces against Ohio Valley (W.Va.) on September 10, 2003.

Senior Jennie Hayden also returns on the right side for Pioneers, while junior Shannon Weber will return to the middle. Hayden, a tri-captain, saw extended playing time last season and will be expected to be one of the leaders of the court during the 2004 campaign. The coaching staff expects Weber to have a big year in the middle and become the dominant force she proved to be as a freshman in 2002.

One of the top freshmen in the OAC last season, middle blocker Ellen Doolittle also returns for Marietta, after leading the Pioneers in kills (268), blocks (86) and aces (88) in 2003. Doolittle’s ability to come through in the clutch was pivotal to last season’s success and she is hoping to lead the Pioneers to greater success in 2004.

Senior Julie Moses will also be competing at defensive specialist this season. Moses, a tri-captain, provided a spark off the bench in 2003 and will be looked upon to continue that trend this season.

The coaching staff will look to junior setter Megan Luse to run the Pioneer offense this season, following the graduation of Perry, the OAC’s all-time assist leader. Luse has seem limited action running the Pioneers offense, but worked diligently in practice and filled in nicely when Perry came down with an injury late in the season.

Sophomores Paige Burton and Jaymi Stephens proved to be two valuable freshmen last season and should help the Pioneers on the left side of the court in 2004.

"With the addition of a solid freshmen class to an athletic group of returners, the team will count on its defense to guide them through a highly competitive schedule," said Symons.

The Pioneers will open its 2004 schedule when they host the 14th Annual River City Tournament Sept. 3-4 in Ban Johnson Arena. The squad will also compete at the Kilt Classic, hosted by Wooster and the Holiday Inn Classic, hosted by Clarion (Pa.) in preparation for another run at the Ohio Athletic Conference title this season.

“The Ohio Athletic Conference is a great conference,” Symons said. “The competition level lets you know not only where you stand in the conference, but also the nation.”