The Fighting Scots are in search of their third consecutive season with more than 20 victories and a top-three finish in the North Coast Athletic Conference under head coach Sarah Davis as they begin their 2010 season.
Last year, the Scots finished strong in the NCAC with a record of 21-10, reaching this position largely with the help of NCAC Player of the Year KateLynn Riley ’10, who graduated from Wooster ranked second in program history kills (1,519).† Davis expects several underclassmen to make their mark offensively this season, including two-time all-NCAC selection Lizzi Beal ë12.
Though just beginning her third season on the roster, Beal has played in more sets (222) than all other returning players, amassing 2,056 assists in her first two seasons.† She has shown her ability to set up scoring opportunities for her teammates and has been an asset on the court.
Davis hopes that Beal’s successes will continue on the court and she will provide team leadership as well.† “Lizzi is a dynamic setter,” said Davis.† “She has run our offense for two years now and players are going to look to her for leadership.”
Also returning to the squad are Sarah Hawke ’12 and Margaret Raabe ’12, both were valuable in every game last season.† Hawke was second on the team in hitting percentage (.215) and blocks (58) in 2009, and will see playing time at both the right side and middle hitter positions.† Raabe ’12 led the NCAC in service aces in the 2009 season, and Meredith Kiefer ’12, who returns to the court after experiencing an injury last season, join Beal and Hawke in leading the underclassmen on the team.
Rounding off the upperclassmen is Kelley Johnson ’13, a dual-sport athlete also on the softball roster.† Last year Johnson ranked second in the NCAC in digs per game (5.71) and started as a first-year.
“Kelley had a phenomenal freshman season,” Davis said.† “She reads the game so well, and she is such a competitor.† Her transition to the college game was seamless, and she has quickly become a key player on this team.”
Three sophomore hitters, Melissa Morgan ’13, Erin Webster ’13 and Devin Grandi ë13 return to the squad and add depth to the team’s roster.† Morgan ranked second on the team in kills (215) and digs (324) and will look to contribute to the team’s successes this year.
They are joined by five first-years whose talent and athleticism will help accomplish Davis’s goals for the season.”The incoming class is extremely athletic, and each player comes from strong high school and club [team] backgrounds,” Davis said.
“This year’s team wants to succeed and have show[n] their desire by working hard during the spring and summer.† They have some big goals and expect to reach those goals come October and November” as the team reaches the NCAC tournament.