UNIVERSITY CENTER - The head coaches of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) have chosen the Saginaw Valley State University volleyball team to finish in the #4 spot in the league's North Division for the 2014 season.
The Cardinals garnered 31 points in the vote to finish in the fourth spot, four points behind third place Northern Michigan. Grand Valley State earned seven of eight first place nods to claim the top spot in the division with 55 points while Ferris State was runner up with the other first place vote and 43 points.
SVSU GLIAC Preview
The Saginaw Valley State University volleyball team looks to improve on its conference quarterfinals showing in 2013, a season that saw the Cardinals go 17-13 overall with an even 9-9 mark in Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play. SVSU brings back a plethora of talent for the 2014 season with a mix of senior-laden experience and some young players who gained valuable playing time last season.
Senior outside hitter Kelsey Ferla returns after leading the Cardinals with 307 kills while adding 278 digs, which was third on the team. Fellow senior and middle hitter Ashley Driscoll was second in 2013 with 216 kills while posting a .243 hitting percentage, which was second on the team. Junior libero Brooke Tiller returns to anchor the defense as well. Tiller had 507 digs a year ago, placing her fifth in the GLIAC.
Middle hitter Makenzie Frodle also returns to anchor the middle. The 6-0 senior led the team with 104 blocks last season while adding 154 kills. Kaylee Schmitt, who saw extensive time on the court as a freshman, looks to be a major contributor in 2014 as well. Schmitt had a team-high .283 hitting percentage last year while posting 167 kills and 88 blocks. Sophomore Kelly Vellucci looks to take over full-time setting duties after splitting time last year. Vellucci had 550 helpers last fall and added 235 digs.
The Cards kick-off the 2014 season with a trip to San Diego, California, where they will face-off against Cal State Dominguez Hills, Fresno Pacific, Azusa Pacific and Point Loma in the Seaside Invitational.
