Marietta College Volleyball anxiously awaiting 2005 season

August 11, 2005
MARIETTA, Ohio – Marietta College volleyball returns nine letterwinners to the court for the 2005 campaign, including four starters. Despite a roster that lacks a senior class, second-year head coach Tom Symons is excited about his junior prospects Jaymi Stephens (Columbus/Hilliard Davidson), Ellen Doolittle (Louisville, KY/DuPont Manual) and Paige Burton (Fairlawn/Akron Hoban).

Stephens, who led the team last year with 2.56 kills/game, will return to her -duties at outside hitter for the Pioneers.

Although a minor foot injury limited Doolittle’s appearances on the court, the middle blocker was able to lead the team with a .159 hitting percentage and 65 total blocks in her 62 games last season. A healthy Doolittle will be looked upon to control the net this season.

Burton stepped in at the setter position during 2004, and ended the season with 8.89 assists/game. Symons will return Burton to the outside, as he now has four of the nine incoming freshmen competing for the starting setter position.

With more depth added to the team for the upcoming season, Symons looks for the team to improve with every match they play. He feels ball control, defense and aggressive serving will be key factors in returning the Pioneers to post-season play.

"After missing the OAC Tournament last year, we hope to regain a bid in 2005," said Symons. "I expect us to be playing our best volleyball in October and excelling in all aspects of the game."

Marietta will open the 2005 season when it hosts the 15th annual River City Tournament September 2-3.  A trip to Pennsylvania to play Waynesburg is all the preparation the Pioneers will have before facing their first OAC competitor, Heidelberg (Sept. 10.) The team will also make stops at the Otterbein and Wooster triangular tournaments before tackling the bulk of their conference schedule.