Volleyball Aims for Increased Consistency in 2013 Season

2013 VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW

TOWSON, Md. -- Unlike many of the fall programs, Goucher's volleyball roster is made up almost exclusively of returning players. Seven of the Gophers' nine players were on the team last year, which head coach Michael Bossom believes will help his squad in tight matches this season.

"Every major position player is coming back," Bossom said. "We played a lot of freshmen last year, and just having them come back one year smarter and one year stronger, it's really going to make a difference in our overall consistency."

Last year's overall inexperience likely played a key role in Goucher finishing just 1-5 in five-set matches, along with a 9-24 overall record.

"We lost a lot of close matches last year," Bossom said. "And it's not that the other teams were that much better than us, we were simply making a few youthful mistakes at crucial times. I think this year we will be able to limit those errors and be stronger overall as a team."

Senior Megan Chalk is expected to be one of the key returners for the Gophers. The Severna Park native has led Goucher in kills in each of her first three seasons. Her 1005 career kills is ninth all-time in the Landmark Conference, and she also earned all-conference recognition during her sophomore year.

The team should receive additional leadership from fellow seniors Tori Rain and Addie Lanzarotta. Rain started all 26 games she appeared in last year, finishing second in assists, while Lanzarotta led the team in attack percentage in an injury-filled campaign.

"Tori is going to be very consistent for us and should be one of our best passers," Bossom said. "And Addie is healthy this year. We really missed her because she always provides great energy on the court. She's a smart volleyball player who will certainly add to our lineup."

Bossom also singled out Hannah Kuehl and Michelle Tweedie as players who could be in line for strong 2013 seasons.

"Hannah has made great strides," he said. "She got better in spring practice, and she's making even more improvements in the preseason. Michelle has stepped up as well, and she's going to play more of an offensive role than she did last season."

Sophomores Sarah Johnson, whose 767 assists led the Gophers last year, and Corinne Kahler will also be back for Goucher, and they will be joined by Sarah's twin Meredith Johnson and freshman Malia Bruce to make up the rest of the roster.

The volleyball season begins with a pair of doubleheaders this Friday and Saturday in Harrisonburg, Va., at the Eastern Mennonite Invitational, while Goucher's home opener will be next Wednesday, Sept. 4, against Wesley at 7 p.m. in the Decker Sports & Recreation Center. The full schedule can be viewed here.

"I expect us to compete in every game," Bossom concluded. "No matter what happens, we're going to play as hard as we can and we'll just see where the chips fall."