With a less than satisfactory tied-for-fifth place finish in the 2002 conference standings, the Bulldog volleyball team looks to bounce back to the top half with determination and tenacity. Last year's SCIAC race created competitive matches that could have gone a variety of ways for many teams but ended with a 6-8 record for the Bulldogs.
Led by third-year Head Coach Becky Schmidt, the 2003 edition of Bulldog volleyball will draw on its senior leadership, experienced returnees, and talented rookie class to formulate a successful season.
The senior class of Kyle Allen (Scottsdale, AZ) and Valerie Detwiler (Hemet, CA) will provide quality experience and potent leadership for the freshmen-laden team. Allen, who is the team's only four-year player, offers solid serve receive and defense as a libero or defensive specialist. Detwiler, after a 2002 Second Team All-SCIAC season, brings a big swing and improved defense from the left-side hitting position. Both players, along with junior Corinne Flowers (Valley Center, CA), were elected captains and will work to lead this squad to accomplish its long list of goals.
Redlands boasts a solid group of juniors that offers both experience and motivation for success. Flowers returns to the right-side hitting position with a solid arm that will create offensive opportunities for the team. In addition, she offers the ability to play from the left-side when needed. Beth DeGuzman (Hilo, HI) continues to develop her defense and serve receive, as she looks to become a possible swing hitter. She also provides great jumping ability and the versatility to fill any voids in the middle. Courtney Cho (Aiea, HI) also returns with a wealth of experience. She offers excellent setting hands and quick-minded defense that will inspire the rest of the court.
As for sophomores, the Bulldogs look to Jenn Terrian (San Diego, CA) for big plays on defense and serve receive. She will also vie for opportunities as a libero or defensive specialist. Sara Monahan (Des Moines, WA) returns after an excellent summer of training. With her added experience and strength, she will contend for playing time in the middle. She brings an outstanding vertical jump and determined style of play to impact the Bulldog front line. Diana Lautenberger (San Francisco, CA) offers an additional pair of setting hands for Redlands. With improved defense and blocking, she will push for time on the court.
Redlands' rookie class nearly outnumbers the returnees and will work to learn Schmidt's system in order to gain playing time. Shelley Langford (Newport Beach, CA) will make herself known immediately as a middle with a long reach and big block. With good instincts and solid hand contact, she will quickly become a respected obstacle against the Bulldogs' opponents. Lizzy Ford (Seattle, WA) brings a left-handed swing and solid block to the right side. She may also split time on the left-side to provide depth and options for the offense. Equipped with a dynamic personality, Rachae' Bell (Davenport, WA) offers the Bulldogs great heart and determination on defense. Also an experienced setter, she will develop her hands for the Redlands system of offense. Tracy Bard (Chino Hills, CA) will provide fundamental skills as a left-side hitter. As she works to improve her arm speed and overall quickness, she will contend in future competitions. Rose Stanek (Spokane, WA) and Bianca Franco (Bakersfield, CA) both provide additional depth in the left-side position. They are young and eager to learn the faster collegiate style of play. Cecily Goo (Honolulu, HI) will develop her defensive game and serve receive as a libero.
"We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish this season," Schmidt said. "Our team possesses the skills needed to succeed while our schedule will help prepare us for the SCIAC."
Complete with an intense and challenging preseason, the Bulldog volleyball team will develop into strong SCIAC competitors. With a core returning class intertwined with solid freshman, Redlands will work to vie for a top spot in the conference.
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