The Shippensburg University Volleyball team will look to improve on a promising 2011 season as it open plays Aug. 31 at the Maurauder Clash in Millersville, Pa.
After a bitter defeat to Lock Haven University in the PSAC playoffs last season, SU is ready to make a statement this year and forge ahead in the push for a PSAC championship.
Fans saw the SU squad record a 15-21 record last season; however, SU lost nine of 21 games by a 3-2 margin. The Raiders impressed at home with an 8-7 home record, but fell short on the road going 7-14.
SU led in almost every statistical category last season including blocks, kills and assists. However, its attack and service errors played a major role in their losses. The Raiders committed 60 more errors on the attack and 40 more on the service.
The Raiders return key players from last year’s squad including junior outside hitter Jill Edwards, senior middle-blocker Erin Flick and setter Andrea Heimsoth. The three upperclassmen will try and build on a program that showed promise throughout last year’s season.
Edwards, who set records for most kills in a season, is looking to continue her dominance this season. Edwards recorded 567 kills last year, averaging more than four per set. She will benefit from the return of Heimsoth who had more than 1,200 assists last year.
With the loss of Libby Woffindin, the Raiders will lean on Flick and Lauren Murphy to keep their opponents off the board. The duo was a formidable force last year. Flick registered a team high with 95 blocks while Murphy registered a team high in digs with 476. Both of these players will be vital towards SU’s success.
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