Statesmen Volleyball Ready for Second Season

By Grace Winfield

Last year was the first season for the Richard Bland College of William and Mary women's volleyball team. This year, the Statesmen have gone from a provisional team straight into the highly-competitive NJCAA Division I ranks, but second-year head coach Scott Newton believes his growing program is ready for the challenge.

RBC will begin its 2018 season on August 24 at Sandhills (NC) Community College playing against host Sandhills and Marshalltown Community College. The Statesmen will play their home opener on September 27 hosting Pitt Community College at 6:30 pm.

"The expectations that we have for this year are high," says Newton. "We have a huge returning class with a lot of experience, but we are still very new, to NJCAA volleyball. Our biggest goal is to expand on what we started last year and create a culture of high expectations."

The 17-player roster is dramatically more robust in comparison to last year's team that featured 14 student-athletes, but lost several to injury.  With nine new players and eights returners, Newton feels the vast array of talent among players will fuel the team's chemistry. "Our student-athletes are big-time players. I expect them to make an immediate impact as soon as they play here, Newton says. "

The Statesmen have plenty of depth at all positions. Here's a breakdown of what to expect at each:

Setter

Sophomore Lauryn Basl (Midlothian, VA/Midlothian) is an essential component to RBC's success this season as the team's primary distributor. Basl was one of Newton's main recruits last season, but she tore her ACL the first week into the season and suffered a season-ending injury. The Statesmen also will look to rely on first-year player Jordan Walter (Fredericksburg, VA/Colonial Forge)) for additional depth.

Outside Hitter

Sophomore Harper Smith (Midlothian, VA/Clover Hill) arrived at RBC as a player with immense talent. She makes her Statesman debut this season after sitting out last season follower her transfer from Christopher Newport. At 6-foot-2, Smith brings size and athleticism to the front line and the ability to be an impact player from the start.  "Expect to see Harper all over the court, and helping the team win in every way," says Newton.

Sophomores Emma Eggleton (Chesterfield, VA/Powhatan) and Caitlin Stout (Dinwiddie, VA/Dinwiddie) are returning outside hitters. Eggleton started in 17 of 19 matches and led the team in kills with 95 (1.61 kills per game). She was second in assists (72, 1.22 apg), and third in both total blocks (0.61 per game) and service aces (13). Stout saw action in 10 of 19 matches last season and displayed her athletic talents with a team-best 221 digs (3.62 per game).  They will play alongside and compete with newcomers Tabatha Green (Mechanicsville, VA/Atlee), Clara Smith (Midlothian, VA/Cloverhill), and Courtney Bowen (Blythewood, SC/Blythewood) for playing time.  

Middle Hitter

Returning middle hitter Cassi Jencik (Midlothian, VA/Clover Hill) started 18 of 19 matches last year and finished fourth in kills (second among returners) with 51 (.82 kpg). Jencik posted a team-best 43 total blocks (.69 bpg). Newcomer Maryia Kienzler (Prince George, VA/Prince George) adds to a talented part of the RBC attack.

Sophomore Mallory Cunningham (Fredericksburg, VA/Massaponax) missed last season following a preseason injury, but is completely healthy and ready to contribute this season.  Newton pointed to incoming first-year players Heather Phelps (Moseley, VA/Cosby) and Sierra Hellebrandt (Providence Forge, VA/New Kent) as athletes who will make the Statesmen deep and versatile. 

Libero

Returning libero Avery Munden (Chesterfield, VA/Matoaca) was an all-court presence last season, contributing in all facets of RBC's inaugural season. She had 74 digs (1.74 dpg), 31 kills (0.74 kpg) and six service aces. Sydni Presson (Wakefield, VA/Surry County). Jada Evans (New Kent, VA/New Kent) provides RBC with a formidable duo at this position.

Returning defensive specialist Oshyn Barnes (Hampton, VA/Bethel) returns to build on last season, having played in 11 of 19 matches. She will add depth to both the front line and defensive areas.  

Schedule

With last year a provisional year, 2018 marks the first season the Statesmen are eligible to compete in the NJCAA Division I Championships.

"It's definitely not going to be easy," Newton says about making the national tournament "If we do make it out of our region, which features a very good Spartanburg Methodist team, we would advance to the national tournament in Florida that traditionally features the national champion." 

Grace Winfield is an intern in the Richard Bland College of William & Mary Communications Department.