SEASON PREVIEW: New Look Champs Ready For New Season

The names have changed from the past couple of seasons, but the expectations still remaining the same for the Bethany College women's volleyball team.  

Coming off back-to-back Presidents' Athletic Conference championships, the Bison must replace 99 percent of their production, including two-time PAC Player of Year Emma Marthins. Despite the limited in-game playing time, head coach Jordan Barton is steadfast on her team's potential.  

"We have plenty of returners who have been patiently waiting and working hard to get on the court in games," said Barton. "Over the last few years, they have improved so much by playing against the starters (who we graduated) in practices and scrimmages.  

"This is also a group of girls who would beat the starters in practice frequently," Barton added. "I'm excited to see what they are capable of this season and I am confident in their abilities. We also brought in a great offensive freshman class – four middle blockers and one outside hitter. Together their average height is 5-11, which is bigger than we have been the past couple years." 

Junior outside hitter Adrianna Gilliam will be joined by senior Shanell Villar and junior Lesley Sanchez as returners looking to prove their talent between the lines. They will be joined by freshmen Kaylee Doppelheuer and Marissa French. Senior Delfina Vivian and freshman Taylor Love are competing for time on the right side.  

Adding more production at the net from the middle blocker position will be junior Averie Braymer. She will be joined by a trio of freshmen in Mykah Hettinger, Shayleigh Hornyak and Ashton Thomas. 

A trio of setters will be given the task of effectively distributing the offense. Senior Talia Gallagher has patiently awaited her turn to lead the offense and will have the inside track on the position. Sophomore Emma Egan and freshman Estelle Winck will be applying the pressure behind her.  

"Talia Gallagher brings the most experience coming off back-to-back conference championships," said Barton. "She understands what it takes to be successful. Our underclassmen setters are very talented as well, and I expect this group to constantly be pushing each other to improve throughout the season." 

Getting production in-system is vital for any team, and that starts with the defense. Senior co-captain Anna Taylor played in all but three matches last season and will provide needed stability in the back row. Junior JaSona Belyeu, sophomore Madison Donelson, freshman Avery Askew, and freshman Skye Goddard could be relied on during the season.  

With such an inexperienced team, seniors Gallagher and Taylor will provide leadership and championship moxie for the Bison. 

"Our two captains for this season seniors, Talia Gallagher and Anna Taylor, bring great leadership skills, both verbally and by example," said Barton. "Their composure and experience being on two PAC Championship teams will help guide us through the season." 

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.