Volleyball Preview, Part 8: Loyola

Aug. 24, 2006

Despite the loss of an All-American setter and all-region attacker, Loyola gained some steam by winning four of its final five regular-season matches and had its championship pedigree on full display in the Horizon League Championship, winning a pair of five-game matches to earn its second consecutive title and accompanying NCAA Tournament berth last year. With five starters plus a record-setting libero returning this year, the Ramblers and second-year coach Marcie Bomhack are optimistic heading into the 2006 season.

"Our main goal is to further build upon our success in the conference tournament and have a successful regular season as well," said Bomhack. "With six starters back, it certainly is a realistic goal."

SETTERS

Faced with the task of replacing four-year starter and the school's all-time leader in assists and digs, Loyola turned to Sarah Elmer, who improved with every match culminating with a Most Valuable Player performance in the Horizon League Championship. With the addition of Erin Virtue, former Illinois setter who trains with the USA National Team, to the staff, there is every reason to believe even better things are to come.

An extremely athletic and offensive-minded player, Elmer's aggressiveness at the net adds another dimension to the Rambler attack. She also showed the ability to rise to the occasion, recording a triple-double in the conference final en route to the tournament MVP.

"Sarah made some huge strides for us last season," said Bomhack. "She is a major offensive threat that keeps opponents guessing. She has worked hard on her defense and blocking and we will see the results of that this fall."

OUTSIDE HITTERS

One of the strengths of this year's team promises to be a deep, talented and diverse group of hitters that is as experienced as any in the Horizon League.

"Of all the spots on the floor, we have our most depth at the outside hitter position," said Bomhack. "One of the positives is that there will be tremendous competition for playing time and that should help each individual raise their level of play."

Leading the group is senior captain and All-Horizon League honoree, Courtney Ashley. After recovering from a nagging leg injury which limited her to back-row duties throughout the non-conference season, Ashley was Loyola's primary weapon in Horizon League play. However, as dangerous as she is as a point-producer, her stellar defense and serve (45 aces) make her one of the top all-around players in the League.

"Courtney does so many different things well for us," said Bomhack. "In addition to her offense, she brings a winning attitude and leadership."Junior Keily Zins took another step forward last season, finishing second on the team with 279 kills while providing solid defense and consistency.

"Keily is the most experienced of the rest of the group," said Bomhack. "We will look to her to remain consistent and gain even more confidence in the back row this year."

Classmate Jennifer White and dynamic sophomore Maria Schmitt will also see playing time on the outside with freshman Brianna Biggers joining the mix. White, who has two years of experience as a defensive specialist, has improved as a hitter while Schmitt is a multi-talented player who is still developing.

"Jen proved herself last season in the back row and was one of our best servers," said Bomhack. "Her passing has dramatically improved, she is a hard-worker and she hits a nice ball."

"Maria is a hard worker with a never-give-up attitude," continued Bomhack. "She is in top condition and has a good serve. I expect that she will continue to work on her all-around game and the details like reading blockers."

"We know that Bri is going to come in and work hard," said Bomhack. "We have a very experienced group of veterans for her to learn from which will only help her development."

RIGHT-SIDE HITTERS

Loyola's outside firepower is not limited to just the left side as Audrey Davis turned in an impressive freshman campaign, earning Horizon League All-Newcomer honors, and showed that the best is still yet to come. Freshman Lindsay Harris gives the Ramblers depth not only on the right side but at every spot in the front row.

"Audrey filled a huge role for us last year and great things are anticipated from her," said Bomhack. "She is a terrific finisher and we looked to her quite often in big situations last year."

"Lindsay gives us a lot of flexibility," stated Bomhack. "She has experience at all three front-row positions but her height and speed makes her best-suited for the right side at this point."

MIDDLE BLOCKERS

While the graduation of Hilary Stromath will leave a void in the middle, Loyola has experienced upperclassmen ready to step in and contribute. The group, headed by juniors Melissa Craig and Shelby Henriksen, could receive a further boost, as Kathryn Langheld seems poised to return to the floor after missing the 2005 season with an injury. Highly-touted freshman Dana VanDiggelen will also push for playing time.

Both Henriksen and Craig saw significant playing time last season and each will be counted on to produce this year. Craig gives the Ramblers a strong presence at the net, especially on the defensive side where she led the team in blocking last year, while Henriksen's versatility, especially offensively, gives the Ramblers the ability to show different looks.

"The main thing we need from Melissa and Shelby is consistency," said Bomhack. "They are upperclassmen now and have accepted the increased responsibility that goes along with that. Melissa takes up space at the net and is a threat to opposing hitters with her block. Shelby is very quick, has improved her offensive repertoire and has excellent footwork to get to the block."

The wild card in the middle is Kathryn Langheld, who participated in spring drills in anticipation of returning to the lineup this fall. Langheld was a key member of Loyola's 2004 Horizon League championship team before missing last season due to injury.

"Kathryn has worked so hard to recover and is hungry to get back on the floor," said Bomhack. "She will do everything she can to contribute."

Also hungry for playing time is Dana VanDiggelen, a talented freshman from Chicago's western suburbs. She completes a solid and diverse group that can affect matches in different ways.

LIBERO

Senior Ann Deelo enters the 2006 campaign looking on the heels of a pair of record-setting seasons. The St. Louis, Mo. native holds the top two places on Loyola's single-season digs chart, including a school-record 445 last year. She was at her best in the Horizon League tournament, recording at least 27 digs in all three matches, including a career-best 31 in the championship win over Wright State.

"Ann was a huge part of our success last year," said Bomhack. "She was extremely consistent towards the end of the season and really came into her own playing at such a high level."

Freshman Alyse Serritella is another talented newcomer who should see significant playing time in the back row. Her quickness and knowledge of the game are a couple of the assets that Loyola will utilize this season.

"Alyse will compete for playing time immediately," said Bomhack. "She was one of the best liberos in the area and is extremely quick. She reads hitters very well and moves to the ball."

Story provided by Loyola Office of Sports Information