Back-to-Back Champs Picked Sixth in Preseason Poll
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - The Bethany College women's volleyball team was picked to finish sixth in the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC) preseason poll, in a vote of the conference coaches, the league announced today (August 26, 2024).
The back-to-back PAC champions earned 61 points and received one first-place vote.
"We have a young and energized team that works hard and gets better every day," said Bethany Bison Head Volleyball Coach Jordan Barton. "It is going to be a very exciting season with this group."
The Chatham Cougars were picked to win the title one season after earning the top seed in the PAC tournament, collecting five first-place votes and 91 points. Allegheny came in at a close second with 86 points and four first-place votes while Grove City was third earning 79 points and a singular first-place vote.
The Wolverines were followed by Westminster (63), Washington and Jefferson (62), BETHANY (61), Geneva (45), Saint Vincent (44), Thiel (39), Waynesburg (18) and Franciscan (17).
The Green and White will travel to Saint Vincent for their annual invitational this weekend on August 30th. Their first match is set to begin 2 p.m. Friday against the Rochester Institute of Technology.
PAC PLAYERS TO WATCH - BETHANY
Junior Middle Blocker Averie Braymer:
Braymer spent the last few seasons behind the most dominant middle duo in the conference – two-time PAC Player of the Year Emma Marthins and now-assistant coach Riley Felton. Braymer will take the lead with the most experience out of all designated net players.
Senior Setter Talia Gallagher:
As the long standing returner, Gallagher is in line to serve as the Bison's primary setter. The senior spent her last few years behind Bethany's record holder in assists, Alaina Torres, but the coaching staff is excited to see Gallagher perform on the court this season.
Junior Outside Hitter Adriana Gilliam:
Gilliam will look to be one of the go-to scorers for the Bison this season. The 5'7 outside hitter has elite athleticism - proven by her three letters in high school as well a fifth-place finish in the Ohio State wrestling tournament.
Senior Defensive Specialist Anna Taylor:
Taylor brings the most experience out of the Bethany Players to Watch list. In 26 matches, Taylor notched 223 total digs. Despite being primarily a defender, the senior showed she can earn points from behind the line. Taylor was fourth on the team in service aces per set.
Freshman Middle Blocker Ashton Thomas:
Thomas joins Braymer at the net as another middle blocker on the PAC watchlist. Thomas is only freshman to be on the list out of all teams ranked in the top half of the preseason poll.
