Volleyball returns to Biola University this fall with a roster full of new faces, but an old tradition of winning – and winning a lot. The last two seasons the Eagles compiled a 63-12 record while competing in what is widely considered the most competitive conference in the NAIA.
As the Eagles work through their preseason schedule with tournaments at Azusa Pacific, Fresno Pacific and Concordia, they will try to fill the big shoes left by the departure of a stellar senior class last season. The Eagles will return senior middle blocker Kelsey Christopherson, and defensive specialist Katie Stevens. Senior setter Abbie Wright will red shirt this season after sustaining a foot injury in the preseason.
Christopherson has enjoyed a stellar preseason, hitting over .440 in seven matches and has nearly doubled her per-set kill ratio from last season.
Head coach Aaron Seltzer will have to replace Meghan Warkentin and Kristen Peterson, two NAIA All-Americans, as well as 1,000 Kill Club member Kelsey Mitchell. Also missing from last year’s squad is Christina Perkins, who together with Wright combined for over 1300 assists last season. Perkins, who now plays professionally in Sweden, has returned temporarily with Mitchell to help coach the young Eagles this season. The Eagles will also miss outside hitter Jessica Buffum, and opposite Maggie McGill.
“We are going to have to work harder for our wins this year, but I fully expect us to compete and get those wins that we need,” Christopherson said. “We have a lot of young, talented players which is really exciting, but we are still going to have to work for every win. Our style of play is going to be a little different from what we have done in the last few years”
Despite losing Warkentin, the most prolific hitter in Biola’s history, the Eagles have high hopes for several players in the upcoming season. Sophomore outside hitter Kim Russell and Joy Talcott come into the season with limited action in last years campaign, but will be called on to fill the voids left by Warkentin, Mitchell and Buffum. Additionally, freshman setter Justine Schoneveld has been thrown into action because of Wright’s injury. Schoneveld has performed well in the preseason, averaging over 11 assists per match.
Zach Underwood, assistant coach said, “Right now our goal is to grow together as a team but also win enough games to make it to the national championship.”
Bullets:
Key Returners- Kelsey Christopherson, MB, Katie Stevens, DS
Key Newcomers – Justine Schoneveld, S, Nicolette Mather OH
Departures – 3x All-American First Team Meghan Warkentin, All-American Third Team Kristen Peterson,
Christina Perkins, Jessica Buffum,
Predicted starters – Kim Russell OH, Justine Schoneveld, Kelsey Christopherson, Joy Talcott, Katie Stevens, Tavea Hampton MB.
