2011 Oilers Outlook Bright

"We had some very good performances last season from both upperclassman and freshmen," said head coach Wick Colchagoff.  "This gives us a good mix of athletes that we have on our roster this fall.  We feel we have the right combination of senior leadership, experienced upperclassmen and promising freshmen to put an extremely competitive team on the court every night."

 

 

Returning as starters in the middle will be sophomores Danielle Taflinger and Mackenzie Vorst.  Taflinger was second in the GLIAC as a freshman for hitting percentage with a .361 in conference. Overall, Danielle had an overall hitting percentage of .332 which placed her second on the UF all-time records list for hitting percentage in a season. Taflinger led the team in kills for 2010 and was named honorable mention all-conference. Vorst meanwhile rounded out the 2010 season by placing second on the team in blocks per set behind Taflinger.

 

Junior Andrea Holthaus saw significant playing time in 2009 and rounded out the season in the number two slot for blocks per set.

 

"Mackenzie, Danielle and Andrea gives us great depth at the middle," Colchagoff said. "They are quick, explosive, fun players to watch. Look for fireworks out of the middle for the Oilers this year."

 

 

The Oilers return senior setter/hitter Jessica VonIns, who earned second team all-conference honors last season. VonIns had 263 kills in 2010 and hit .304 on the season. Junior Maggie Naayers also returns and spent the spring working on her blocking and attack. 

 

"Jess is one of the strongest right side hitters in the conference and we are hoping Maggie can look to the leadership of Jess and become part of the best right side duo in the conference. Colchagoff said.

 

 

Senior Erin Thomasson returns for the Oilers and is looking to return to the athlete that earned her second team all-GLIAC honors as a sophomore after posting a team-high 366 kills. Thomasson needs 227 kills this year to become the eighth player at UF to record 1,000 kills in a career. The senior will be joined by red-shirt freshman Lindsy Reindel and true freshman Samantha Granger.

 

Red-shirt sophomore Bethany Hoelscher is still battling a foot injury that has plagued her the last three years. When healthy last season, she accumulated 145 kills and 24 service aces.

 

 

Senior Rachael Hammond and sophomore Jacqui Endre will battle for the libero duties for the 2011 season.

 

"Rachael has made huge strides as a defensive leader for this team," Colchagoff said. "She has an incredible work ethic and is always willing to push herself and her teammates to maximize their performance while Jacqui brings a lot of energy and excitement to the game."

 

Junior Kelly Lapeus and freshman Heather Schwyn will round out the Oiler defensive specialist's position.

 

 

VonIns and freshman Amanda Calhoun will share the setting duties as Findlay continues to run their 6-2 offense. VonIns has 1,477 assists for her career which places her sixth in the UF record book for assists in a career while Calhoun is a two-time all-Ohio player and will be contribute nicely to the Oilers in 2011.

 

"Our setting was outstanding last year and I expect that it will be even better this season," Colchagoff said. "Jess distributes the ball well and forces teams to respect her as an attacker.  Amanda had a great high school career as a setter/hitter and we are looking forward to her abilities to carry over into her career here at UF."

 

"The team came together in the spring season and worked hard to not only strengthen their volleyball skills but their team building skills as well," Colchagoff said.  "The confidence and unity they are bringing into the 2011 season will be a vital part of the Oilers success.

 

The Oilers squad hopes its combination of experienced veterans and promising young players make them a force to be reckoned with in the GLIAC. The team has great chemistry and should bring a lot of energy and excitement to each match.