The University of Redlands volleyball team approaches the 2006 season as an opportunity to accelerate into success, given that last year’s finish of fifth place in the conference left room for improvement.  With seven returning student-athletes combining with eight rookies, the Bulldogs work to create great chemistry for an exciting run during the upcoming season.  Under the guidance of third-year Head Coach Mari Burningham, the volleyball team looks forward to gaining great achievement both in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and beyond.

The 2006 schedule requires solid performances from the beginning, as it is jammed with competitive Division III schools from around the country.  The Bulldogs open at the nearby Pacific Coast Classic with matches against UC Santa Cruz, Lewis & Clark College (OR) and nationally-ranked Whitworth College (WA).  Redlands also faces a tough match-up against NAIA-power Vanguard University.  The team then hits the road for another tournament at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania.  That schedule pits the Bulldogs against the host school, Cabrini College (PA), Rutgers-Newark (NJ), and King’s College (PA).  The challenges continue with always-competitive Chapman University and Colorado College, in addition to the prevalent SCIAC schools.  Among the top opponents, Cal Lutheran University and the University of La Verne both earned national rankings during the 2005 season.

According to Coach Burningham, “Our conference is as strong as ever.  There are five quality teams fighting for the top spot.”

While facing a competitive schedule, the volleyball team must create a cohesive unit that includes eight new and seven returning players.  Following last season’s tight-knit group, the Bulldogs expect that team chemistry will quickly develop.  Count on four seniors to lead this crew as they embark on an exciting ride during the 2006 season.  Following her record-breaking season, senior All-American Rachae’ Bell (Davenport, WA) returns as the team’s top libero, managing the Bulldogs’ defense and serve receive while also serving as a captain.  Last season, she shattered the school’s record for total digs in a season and for a career.  In addition, Bell led all of NCAA Division III with 8.14 digs per game. 

Fellow senior captain Lizzy Ford (Ballard, WA) looks forward to her final campaign as she makes the move from right side to middle.  Her left-handed swing creates an interesting option while her enthusiasm and leadership prove invaluable for the Bulldogs.

“Lizzy has shown remarkable and noteworthy skill and determination to play middle blocker for us this year,” commented Coach Burningham.  “Although she is relatively new to the position, she is doing a very nice job and will add another dynamic in the middle for our team.”

Also a team captain, senior Shelley Langford (Newport Beach, CA) steps up in her fourth collegiate season and moves back to middle after competing primarily as an outside hitter last season.  With an impressive reach and solid power, the team looks for her to return to her form as an All-SCIAC middle in 2003 and 2004. 

Rounding out the graduating class, the Bulldogs return senior Jessica Walker (Redlands, CA) for her third year with the team.  She brings solid experience and vision of the offense as the team’s top setter.  The Bulldogs expect good decision-making and composure as she runs the floor, while making solid contributions defensively.

The Redlands volleyball program also welcomes back two juniors in Cassie McEuen (Mountain View, CA) and Lori Nakamura (Honolulu, HI).  After gaining significant experience, these outside hitters bring additional fire power to the lineup.  Equipped with an excellent vertical jump and overall strength, Nakamura looks to serve as a definite point-winner for the Bulldogs.  Last season this All-SCIAC performer led the team in kills with 264 and ranked second in digs with 211.  McEuen also grew substantially as a hitter during her sophomore season, gaining time on both antennas.  Her competitive nature adds to the intensity on the floor.

Sophomore Dory Baga (Aiea, HI) returns to action this year as a solid defensive specialist.  She gained solid experience as a rookie and looks to increase her contributions in 2006. 

The returning members of the team look forward to joining forces with the eight newcomers, who bring a variety of experiences and skills to the floor.  Sophomore Ashley Williams (Sunland, CA) joins the team as a transfer student from Cal State Northridge.  She brings a dynamic style of play to the front and back row as a left-handed competitor.

Freshman Jaclyn Beeton (Sierra Madre, CA) offers excellent size to the front row, creating a formidable block against the right side attack.  Equipped with a versatile shot selection as well as vision of the open court, this left-handed outside hitter complements the offensive lineup.  Another leftie, freshman Jordann Tanner (Vista, CA), also promises to make an impact as a hitter for the Bulldogs.  Her all-around skills and athleticism make her a likely contributor as another left-handed player.  Freshman Katy Douglass (Roseville, CA) mixes into the team’s offense, bringing a silent but deadly approach.  Despite her subdued presence, her abilities make a strong impression.  The Bulldogs expect great showings from freshman Kelina Smith (Kurtistown, HI), who offers additional depth due to her slew of shots and hard swings.  This smart player finds ways to manipulate the opposing block and get the ball to the floor.  Also, count on freshman Lauren Harding (Alta Dena, CA) to vie for opportunities as an outside hitter or a defensive specialist, following in the footsteps of teammate Bell.  She offers a tremendous work ethic and overall talent to the squad.  Rounding out the newcomers, Redlands looks forward to the development of freshman Courtney Rood (Beaverton, OR) as an up and coming setter.  She possesses the uncanny ability to connect with the middles while showing an eagerness to learn Coach Burningham’s offensive system.  Finally, the Bulldogs anticipate the contributions of freshman Ali Massei (San Carlos, CA), who has been temporarily sidelined but promises to provide an excellent work ethic and positive attitude.

With four left-handed players, the Redlands offense matches up very differently to the majority of teams.  Obviously, this creates some challenges but also promises to provide an interesting impact on the team’s style of play.

“We are fortunate that they are all hitters and are dynamic enough to play several positions if needed,” stated Coach Burningham.  “It should be fun to see so many attacks coming from left-handed hitters.”

Equipped with a diverse lineup and a variety of offensive options, Redlands promises to be an exciting team to watch.  Although the squad appears somewhat young with eight new players, the Bulldogs appear ready to make a run at the top of the SCIAC with four invaluable seniors leading the charge.