BUFFALO, N.Y. - As the calendar pages turn from one year to another, it's commonplace for collegiate volleyball teams to see an influx of new faces join the roster. However for the 2015 edition of the Canisius volleyball team, veteran leadership and depth will play a key role in the team's campaign for its first ever MAAC championship. Of the team's 14 roster spots, 10 are players that will be returning to the program, and seven players recorded at least one match start during the 2014 season.
“I think that by far this is one of the deepest and most athletic teams I've coached” head coach Cathy Hummel said. “We truly have great relief off the bench and have a lot of flexibility within our roster because of our talent level.”
The Blue and Gold will rely on that depth as it attempts to rebound from a quarterfinals exit at the hands of the eventual 2014 MAAC Champion Siena Saints.
“We're deep in numbers and deep in talent, so it gives us some flexibility,” Hummel said. “It's always exciting to be able to use your 14 person roster against opponents, but you don't really get to do that in a gym, so it will be exciting to see how we can put all our pieces together on one side.”
Outside/Right Side Hitters:
The squad of outside hitters features two upperclassmen making up the grouping. Rachel Kline and Katlyn Tyler headline the position as the duo has seen the most amount of action for the Blue and Gold. Kline was also selected by the MAAC in this year's All-MAAC Preseason Team.
“The returners will probably get the starting nod to begin,” Hummel said. “Rachel appears to be up for the challenge of her preseason pick, while Katlyn is having probably her best camp to date.”
Kline and Tyler provide strong leadership and were key contributors to the Golden Griffin offense as the duo was ranked No. 1 and No. 2 on the team in kills per set with a 3.13 and 2.82 mark, respectively in 2014. However don't be surprised to see a pair of newcomers challenging for playing time as freshman Sara Wesley and sophomore transfer Alexandra Brown, bring a strong skillset and are already impressing early on.
“Sara is catching up quickly to the speed and expectations of the college game,” Hummel said. “She's physical and athletic so she won't have much of a learning curve.”
Middle Hitters:
The middle hitter position is another area of strength for the Blue and Gold, fielding five players listed at the position. All-MAAC preseason selection, Lauren Siebert is the Griffs highest profile returner in the group, as she led the conference in hitting percentage in 2014.
“Lauren returns with a bull's-eye on her back, but I think she's up to the challenge,” Hummel said. “Her focus and preparation for the game is matched by no one, and her maturity is something we depend on when we take the court.”
Another player that the Griffs will rely on heavily will be Jacklyn Malusa. While Malusa is listed as an outside and middle hitter, Hummel views her as a player that can play a number of roles for her squad.
“Jackie is our most versatile player so its possible you will see her at all positions this season,” Hummel said. “She came back in great shape and her maturity has met her athletic ability. We're really leaning on her a lot more this year and she's proving she's up for the task.”
Senior Amy Osinski, and junior Gabrielle Vetere will provide veteran leadership as upperclassmen.
“Gabbi is our right-side middle and is literally our best mentally prepared player,” Hummel said. “She's a great student of the game and a great team player and makes us better everyday we're in the gym. Amy can use her experience of being on a team that's been to a semifinal and using the knowledge of what it takes to get there to push herself and others to achieve the same result.”
Sophomore Samantha Zebuth will also provide somewhat of a wild-card presence for the Blue and Gold as she works her way back from injury.
“Sam is working hard to come back from her injury, and she's gaining strides as we speak,” Hummel said. “Getting a chance to see her quickness and athleticism at full strength will be an exciting addition to the rotation.”
Libero/Defensive Specialist
With the departure of Emily Litwin, the 2014 MAAC Libero of the Year, the Griffs find themselves searching for their next answer at the position. The trio of Kristen Plukas, Jordan Tylec, and Donnett Hickson will attempt to fill the role that Litwin excelled in.
“Probably for the first time in the history of the libero position here at Canisius College, the position is up for grabs,” Hummel said. “The three of our defensive specialists are going to battle each week until someone separates themselves. All three players have the skill set to play the position, but what will make the difference is their comfortability with being a leader on and off the court. It's been a battle so far and we look forward to what they can bring to the table.”
Tylec enters her senior year having played in 65 matches as a member of the Griffs, and couples that experience with speed and agility.
“Jordan's range on defense is probably best in the position” Hummel said. “If she continues to improve the mental side of the game, and work work on being great in less space, rather than trying to be great in more, she'll continue to progress in the position.”
Plukas returns after a strong freshman campaign, playing in 32 matches and recording 122 digs.
“Kristin is probably our best tactical libero,” Hummel said. “If she continues to work on her technique, she can be an asset for us moving forward”
Hickson is part of this incoming class and will attempt to be involved, while trying to navigate the transition from the high school to college game.
“Donette has some room to catch up as she learns a new system and how to play at a higher speed,” Hummel said. “However if she continues to progress she should be able to help out on the defensive end of things.”
Setters
The Griffs have two players at opposite points of their academic careers when it comes to their setters, with the well-seasoned senior, Grace Streicher, and the athletically gifted newcomer, Julia Hrycyk. With the experience and physical abilities that both players possess, the Griffs boast a solid pairing at the position.
“Collectively this might be the most athletic core we've had at the position,” Hummel said. “They work well together and are working hard on getting their sets in rhythm with the rest of the team. We think that with both Grace and Julia on our squad that they can help bring us success on the court.”
Streicher is the more experienced of the two players, having played in 325 matches, including 90 starts. Last season she more-than doubled her assists per set average, notching a 9.23 mark.
“Grace has her thumb on the pulse of the team,” Hummel said. “She's a great court leader and really gives the team a spark when it's necessary. Her biggest challenge this year will be managing playing time because it will be less than normal with another setter on the court, however to date she has handled it like a true team leader.”
Hrycyk was a three-year letter winner for Suffern high school and was the 2014 conference player of the year.
“Julia is a bigger player, making her more physical at 6-foot-2,” Hummel said. “Coming in as a freshman she'll be a very good blocking center for our team. As far as leading the court she needs some more time to develop relationships with others on the team, but we're excited about the potential she has.”
