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Side Out
Volleyball News and Notes

The Tiffin University women’s volleyball team enters the 2008 season looking to learn from last year’s difficult season. “We struggled last season playing against stronger competition,” said third-year Head Coach T.J. Shouse, “but we’re stronger because of it and look forward to competing against the best that Division II has to offer.” The team went 11-24 last season, their first as a full-fledged Division II member, with a roster boasting only one senior and six freshmen. This season will feature the team’s first year as a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and will square off against local rivals Findlay and Ashland, along with other Division II teams from Michigan.

This year’s team will feature five seniors and thirteen returning players overall from last year’s squad. “We had a young team last year, but they gained valuable experience and we’re looking to see that translate into a good season this year,” said Coach Shouse. Returning seniors include: right-side hitter Beth Willenbrink, middle hitters Katie Luker and Shannon Burke, setter Dana Peterson, and defensive specialist Becky Lewis. “I’m happy with the improvements these players have shown the last few years, and believe that they are ready to help lead this team to a successful season,” Shouse said. Luker was named to the Division II All-Independent team last season, after her and Willenbrink were named NAIA All-Conference in 2006.

Two-year starter Nikki Cranick returns for her junior season, while sophomores Brooke Bernabei and Rachel Hebberd round out the outside hitters on the roster. Middle hitters Erin Prince and Brittany Teaford also return for their sophomore seasons, along with defensive specialist Amanda Marquardt. Bernabei, Teaford and Marquardt were each named to the Division II All-Independent second team and earned spots on the All-Freshmen team, as well. Setter Jessica Adams (U. of Connecticut) and middle hitter Giavana DiPietro (California U. of PA) both enter their first year competing for Tiffin University after transferring from their respective schools, and freshman defensive specialist Lindsay Heller joins the team as the Dragon’s lone freshman. “We have a talented young group that needs to focus and step up to give us a chance against the upper-caliber teams we’ll face,” said Coach Shouse.

Overall, the team is excited about entering the GLIAC and competing against some of the best competition in Division II, and will look for a consistent level of play to help them be successful. “Our program’s entering uncharted territory, and as long as we’re prepared and play the way we’re capable, I’m confident our players will get the job done,” said Coach Shouse.