JACKSON, Miss. - The Belhaven Volleyball team is gearing up for their inaugural NCAA Division III season, which will begin on September 1.
The Blazers will open the 2015 season in Memphis, TN, squaring up against Rhodes College. Under the direction of 3rd year head coach
Justin Dee, the squad looks to topple the Lynx after falling 1-3 in last season's only meeting.
When talking about this year's team, Dee said "I think that last year we had several girls that could play really, really well, a lot of them are returners, but there was a hole in each position."
"This year the word that I like to use is solid. I think we're really solid, there's no holes."
The Blazers graduated
Erika Leflore, an outside hitter/ middle blocker who recorded 244 total attacks and 62 kills in her Senior season, plus setter
Alyson Plyler, who in her final season recorded 63 kills, 200 total attacks, 144 digs and 410 assists.
Belhaven is on track to return as a solid unit, as this season's team features 9 returners in
Kelly Aholt,
Abbey Herman,
Jackie Gunderson,
Allie Perkins,
Chae Levy,
Molly Boyer,
Blaykleigh Smythe,
Ashley Rice, and
Cassidy Fitzpatrick.
Annelle Anderson is the sole transfer, coming to Belhaven out of Kansas.
Dee has high praise for each of his players. "Each and every girl adds value and provides depth for us."
Transfer
Annelle Anderson is paced to provide a spark offensively. During her time at Neosho Community College, Anderson played in 49 matches, recording 200 kills and 105 blocks. Dee says "She'll be coming in and will be an impact player right away."
Junior outside hitter
Jackie Gunderson will continue to be an offensive powerhouse for the Blazers. According to Dee, "she's able to move the ball around. She's worked in some different types of shots so offensive ball control for her has just been awesome." Gunderson has so far recorded 200 kills, 899 attacks and 462 digs as a Blazer.
The squad also introduces 5 Freshman in
Lauren Whiting,
Sierra Horel,
Vicky Vo,
Katie Ladd and
Meghan Luker.
What is the first challenge of the Blazers' 2015 campaign? Getting past Rhodes College. Since their first meeting on September 14, 1996, Belhaven is 4-6 against Rhodes, with last season's 1-3 loss snapping a three- year win streak.
According to Dee, the team is looking to overpower Rhodes, as they meet twice in the first two weeks, after falling to them last year. "It was frustrating because it was on our home floor. So that will be a great litmus test to see where we are as a team."
Participating in their first Huntingdon Invitational on September 4th and 5th, the Blazers will face Sewanee: The University of the South, in an afternoon matchup, and Piedmont College, two hours later. The ladies look to top Huntingdon University and Talladega College in the next day's action.
Next on the Blazers' agenda is the September 11th and 12th Belhaven/ Millsaps Invitational that brings together Rhodes College, Dillard University, Philander Smith College, Millsaps College and the Blazers.
Other matchups this season include meetings with East Texas Baptist University, Sul Ross State University, Howard Payne University, University of Texas at Tyler, and Letourneau University among others.
The Blazers kick off the 2015 season on Tuesday September 1st in Memphis, TN against Rhodes College at 7pm.
