Women's Volleyball Season Preview
The Faith Eagles will take the court on August 28th against AIB with several retuning letter winners. Faith will place 2 seniors, 3 juniors and a sophomore on the floor which is a different venue than in the past allowing Coach Lanny Nihart a solid core of players. “We are really excited about the retention we had this year. It is always helpful in practices and acclimating to the demands of collegiate competition to have upperclassmen. ..
The Faith Eagles will take the court on August 28th against AIB with several retuning letter winners. Faith will place 2 seniors, 3 juniors and a sophomore on the floor which is a different venue than in the past allowing Coach Lanny Nihart a solid core of players. "We are really excited about the retention we had this year. It is always helpful in practices and acclimating to the demands of collegiate competition to have upperclassmen. Our core is a good group and hopefully will be able to produce on a nightly basis for us" notes Nihart.
Returning for Faith is middle hitter and NCCAA All-American junior Julia Bray. Bray is also a first team NCCAA North Central all region player and led the 2011 Eagle's in kills per set (3.61) and hitting average (27.9%)as the offensive weapon for the Eagles. Along with Bray, seniors Rikki Powell and Ariel Dicks will provide leadership as captains and examples for the team. Powell returns as the current leader in digs while Dicks will provide outside hitting. "We are so thankful for our student athletes who sacrificially contribute to our program like Rikki and Ariel. It is likely with the incoming freshmen we will be able to move Dicks to the outside or right side hitting spot and give some additional help to our middle hitters. Rikki is always going to have the opportunity to play all around giving us great experience." stated coach Nihart.
Coach Nihart will also have juniors Natalie Bunjer (returning Libero) and Jenna Smith (outside hitter) along with sophomore Stephanie Knupp (setter) to provide spark for the Eagles. "Natalie and Jenna are important pieces of our offense and defensive strategies. Stephanie will be pressed hard to improve on her setting and assists per game. As a team we are going to be pressed to work hard for any wins and these three will be asked to contribute greatly."
Faith will add several first time players with potential to contribute to the team's success. "We have a good group of freshmen who should be able to contribute immediately to our success. We have a tough schedule but we are entering in a very positive way and hard good practices during our preseason camp. We are excited about being members in the Midwest Christian Conference which will give our team another opportunity for success." notes Nihart.
