In 2012, the Roanoke College volleyball team more than doubled its win total from the previous year, and had the program's 10th winning season since 2000.� In 2013, Head Coach Blair Trail, who is entering her 15th year at the helm of the program, aims to propel the Maroons among the upper squads in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.
"We expect to contend for a spot along the top of a consistently competitive ODAC conference," Trail stated.
The Maroons have a strong core of key returners coming back to the court in 2013.� Senior Samantha Klostermann and junior Sarah Long will be seen playing both in the middle and outside positions this season.
"I look for them to lead the team both in attacks and blocks," Trail started. �"Klostermann will be one of our team captains and Long has shown to be a vocal leader during our preseason.� Both will be strong floor leaders."
Mackenzie Tyree, who broke the single-season digs record in 2012, along with Alexandra Martin will lead the team defensively.� Martin ranked second on the team in assists (285) and third in digs (206) last season.� Coach Trail expects both players to set the intensity level at practices and games.
"Mackenzie Tyree is�also one of our�senior captains," Trail began.� "She has high expectations of her teammates and will be a positive voice on the court.� Martin will also see playing time as a setter.� She makes smart decisions, has quick hands and can lead a fast offense."
The Maroons have five first year players joining the squad in 2013.� Carrie Heldreth, Kristen Wicander and Maci Hoback come on as middles for the Maroons.
"Heldreth and�Hoback are strong athletes, who have worked hard on their game this summer.� Both have strong arm swings and will be a big part of our offense," Trail said.� "Wicander has�comes to us from Connecticut, she has played both outside and middle for her high school and club teams but we see her immediate contribution in the middle.� She moves well along the net, and should be a solid blocker for the Maroons."
Roanoke's other two first year players will play as setters for Coach Trail in Jessica Block and Kayleigh Littleson.� Both will have an opportunity to lead the Maroon offense in 2013.
The Roanoke volleyball team begins the season on a nine match away stretch.� The Maroons open their schedule for the fourth year in a row with the Averett Invitational, where they will play Greensboro, Peace, Austin College, and host school Averett.� Roanoke has defeated Peace in this tournament in both of the past two seasons.� The Maroons will play Ferrum College on the road on September 3rd, then travel to Greensboro, NC for the Greensboro Invitational on September 8-9th.
The Maroons start ODAC Play on September 10th as they play Shenandoah University on the road.� Roanoke defeated the Hornets in the Bast Center, 3-0 in 2012.� The Volleyball team will only host seven home games in 2013, beginning on Friday, September 13th as they host Bridgewater College.� The very next day, the Maroons host the Royals of Eastern Mennonite University.� Of the five remaining home matches on the schedule, Roanoke will host ODAC opponents, Randolph-Macon, Emory & Henry and Guilford College, along with non-conference teams, Southern Virginia University and Mary Baldwin College.
Roanoke finishes the final eight games of the season with six ODAC matchups, which includes three of the top teams from the ODAC in 2012: Washington and Lee, Virginia Wesleyan and Lynchburg.
"The ODAC conference is competitive top to bottom.� Each game will need to be approached with nothing less than our best effort," Trail said.
Roanoke opens action in the Bast Center on Friday, September 13th against Bridgewater College.� That contest is scheduled for a 7:00 PM start.
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