2002 SOPHOMORE LED TEAM PLANNING TO REPEAT AS DIVISION CHAMPIONS
With six returning sophomores and five new freshmen, Lower Columbia College Volleyball will be putting a competitive and experienced team on the floor for the 2002 season. The leadership that the sophomores will provide should meld nicely with the raw, athletic talent of the incoming freshmen. This group of Lady Red Devils has a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed.
Comprised of 11 outstanding athletes from six different high schools, we are looking forward to growing and improving our play with every match as the defending Western Division Champions and to make a run at the 2002 NWAACC Championships.
Providing the leadership and experience needed, will be by our 6 sophomores. Each brings to the game skills unique to their positions that will be needed for the team’s success.
Our two returning outside power hitters are Lisa Lovingfoss (Kelso) and Lina Peloli (White River). Lisa hits high and strong and will offer a lot to the offensive part of our game. She has continued to work in the off-season to develop her shots. We will look to her often to put the ball away. Joining Lisa as an offensive threat will be Lina Peloli. Lina has a great vertical jump and hits a very heavy and hard ball. As a youth coach in the off-season, she has learned the game well, and we will look to her to put the ball away for many kills throughout the season.
Raven Northrup (Kelso) will run the show in the middle for us. She is an amazing middle blocker, being one of the top blockers in the NWAACC last season, she looks to continue where she left off. She has become a solid powerhouse out of the middle as well as one of our best passers and defensive players. Raven will be called upon a lot during the upcoming season.
Running the offense this year will be returning setter Haley Harrigan-Rottle (White River). She has great hands and has the ability to locate the ball very well. Mixing up her sets, she makes each hitter on our team that much more effective. We are looking forward to running a high-powered, quick offense with Haley running the show.
Providing the roof as our right side blocker will be returner Katey Carpenter (RA Long). She puts up a great wall and has the ability to put the ball away on that side as well. Her arm swing has gotten stronger and quicker in the past year, and we will look to her for much needed offense on the right side.
Melissa Magnuson (White Pass), affectionately known as “bun”, returns as a defensive specialist. She has quick reflexes and is able to react to the ball to make that much needed dig. With a smile on her face and a desire to succeed, she will bring much to this year’s team.
Joining all these sophomores, are five freshmen. They will add to a very talented group with their athletic ability and fill in the gaps nicely. Katie Spears (Castle Rock) will join Raven in the middle blocking position. A high school and club veteran in this position, she comes to us with some good experience and great athletic ability. She has an amazing vertical jump and quick feet. Her arm swing has improved over the off-season, and we will look to her to step right into the middle and be an impact player from the start.
Teammates Dana Mackey (Mark Morris) and Heidi McDonough (Mark Morris) will bring together our team concept. Both Dana and Heidi will see setting duties, however, the majority of the setting will come from Heidi. She is a high-energy player that cannot only set the ball, but will do work in the front row as a right side hitter and blocker. She is small in stature, but she can sure jump!
Dana gets the opportunity to be our first ever “Libero”, a new defensive position that allows a defensive specialist to play most of the game without jeopardizing the substitution rules. Dana has great instincts and being one of our “little” people, she will excel in this position, as she has no fear of pursuing a ball to make that dig.
Erica Ybarra (Mark Morris) will be called upon to work as a middle blocker with Raven and Katie. She jumps well and can put up a good block. She continues to work on her quick attack and will develop into an excellent middle blocker at the collegiate level.
Rounding out the team will be Jayme Peloli (White River). She is the younger sister of Lina and comes to us with some raw talent and strength. She will work as a right side hitter and blocker. She has good hands for setting, which makes her an ideal candidate for this position. As her hitting and blocking become stronger, we will be looking to her for contributions.
Each of these players exhibit an outstanding attitude toward the game and the work ethic needed to be successful this season. This should be a fun-filled and exciting year of competition for us, with formidable competition from throughout the conference. Thanks for your continued support.