Volleyball Preview Part 4: Loyola

Aug. 15, 2007

Entering her third year at the helm of the Loyola women's volleyball program, head coach Marcie Bomhack has assembled a collection of experienced senior leaders and talented newcomers as the Ramblers look to regain their place atop the Horizon League. While Bomhack must find replacements for three graduated seniors whose names now appear in the Loyola record book, the talent is there and a new era of optimism is evident as the team prepares for the 2007 season.

"One of the things that I am most excited about is the leadership from our senior class," said Bomhack. "We have more depth than we have had in my first two seasons here but it will be our determination and leadership that defines this team."

SETTERS
With the loss of two-year starter Sarah Elmer to graduation, the competition for the starting setter spot will be one of the most pivotal and highly contested battles of the preseason. Elmer, a 2006 All-Horizon League selection, gave Loyola's offense a different dimension with her aggressiveness and willingness to attack the ball at the net.

Three players will compete for the chance to succeed Elmer, led by junior Mindy Rees. After playing behind Elmer for the last two seasons, Rees will look to take the next step.

"Even though Mindy has not seen a lot of court time, she is very familiar with our hitters," said Bomhack. "She has a great on-court personality, excellent hands and a nice touch on the ball."

Rees will vie for the starting spot with newcomers Lauren Ditscheit and Ceci Mattei, two players who each bring something different to the court. Ditscheit, a sophomore who played at Florida Atlantic last season, arrives with some Division I experience while Mattei is a highly touted freshman who plays with inner passion and fire.

"Lauren is extremely versatile, as she saw time at setter, in the back row and even as a right-side hitter last year," said Bomhack. "She gives us depth and competition at a number of positions and is a candidate to play almost anywhere on the court."

Ceci has a great personality, is extremely competitive and gives 100 percent all the time," continued Bomhack. "She is a very dynamic attacker who has a lot of untapped potential as a setter."

OUTSIDE HITTERS
As with Elmer at the setter spot, Loyola must replace the departed Courtney Ashley on the outside. Ashley leaves Rogers Park ranked second on the Ramblers' all-time list in digs and eighth in kills but Bomhack has several experienced options to lean on.

Senior Keily Zins is the most logical starting point, as she will be looking to improve upon a solid junior season in which she led the team in kills. An attacker with a diverse repertoire, Zins is a terrific all-around player who will be looked upon to continue to produce while also being a leader on the floor.

"Keily is our most experienced player and she really proved herself last season and during the spring," said Bomhack. "She is ready to take on the added responsibility that comes with being a senior. Keily has worked very hard to become the all-around player that she is and is motivated to be even better this season."

A pair of juniors will be in the mix at the other outside spot, as returnee Maria Schmitt and Connecticut transfer Sarah Singer are in line to see a majority of the playing time at that position. Schmitt was productive despite seeing sporadic court time last season while Singer brings experience at a major conference program having competed at UConn for the last two seasons.

"Maria is a very hard worker and a great athlete," said Bomhack. "She has a strong serve and should show continued improvement."

"Sarah has transitioned very well to Loyola and got some valuable experience with her teammates in the spring," said Bomhack. "She fit in right away here and adds to our power game as she can play above the net."

Freshman Katie Johnson is also a candidate at this spot. A strong hitter who is used to being one of the best players on the floor, Johnson's best days are ahead of her.

"Katie is very strong and has great power," said Bomhack. "She will thrive playing against college players and I am looking forward to what she will contribute and learn this season."

MIDDLE BLOCKERS
Arguably the strongest and deepest positional group on the team, Bomhack and the Ramblers welcome back a pair of senior starters in the middle. Melissa Craig and Shelby Henriksen bring stability to the court and are proven commodities at the net.

"I think Melissa is going to be a great force at the net this season," states Bomhack. "She has developed into a terminating hitter and takes up space at the net. Her offense has really improved each year and she is coming off a great spring."

"Shelby brings great consistency," continued Bomhack. "She improved a great deal working with Coach Wiejak this spring and is ready to take it to the next level as a senior."

Completing the group is a pair of talented freshmen whose presence will ensure competition amongst the team. Both Mallory Curran and Colleen Francis have the skill set to be contributors.

"Mallory matured through her high school years into a great middle and she will continue to get better at this level," said Bomhack. "She has one of the most competitive personalities on the team and is relentless in both the front and back rows."

"Colleen plays extremely high, has a great vertical and long arms, which are an asset both offensively and defensively," said Bomhack. "She has a good pedigree and has the potential to play any front-row spot."

RIGHT-SIDE ATTACKERS
Sophomore Dana VanDiggelen entered the lineup midway through the season after an injury and showed just what she can do, earning Horizon League All-Newcomer accolades. Her return and continued development will be a key for Loyola's offense this year.

"Dana really emerged as a go-to player for us last year as well as an on-court leader," said Bomhack. "She is ready to take the next step this season and has the potential to play all six rotations. Her fire and competitiveness are contagious and she brings power and size to our front row."

LIBEROS
While Loyola must replace the school and Horizon League all-time digs leader, graduated Ann Deelo, Bomhack believes that sophomore Alyse Serritella and senior Jennifer White can fill the void.

Serritella is coming off an up-and-down freshman season but her natural ability makes her a good candidate for the position.

"Alyse is very quick to the ball on defense, goes after everything and does what it takes to keep the ball off the ground," stated Bomhack. "On top of that, she has a nice serve and is up for the challenge."

White is another versatile player who has seen time on the right side and in the back row. She put together a solid season last year and looks to be even better as a senior.

"Jen is a dedicated player with an excellent work ethic," said Bomhack. "She was the best server we had last season and has the ability to play anywhere on the floor so she will definitely contribute."

--Story provided by Loyola Office of Sports Information