Taflinger to Lead Oilers in 2013

The University of Findlay volleyball team heads into this season with some momentum after qualifying for the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament last year for the first time since 2007.  Led by senior Danielle Taflinger, the Oilers have high hopes for the 2013 campaign.

Taflinger returns to the team after becoming the Oilers first volleyball player to earn NCAA Division II All-American honors.  The Lima, Ohio native achieved honorable mention status from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) last season in addition to being named first team all-conference and first team all-region.

During her junior season, Taflinger led the team with 310 kills and a .352 hitting percentage.  She also had 108 total blocks and 31 digs during her third season with the Oilers.

Heading into her final year, Taflinger is the career record holder for hitting percentage (.348) and ranks 11th all-time in blocks (283).

The Oilers will also welcome back senior Mackenzie Vorst, who missed time last year with an injury, but was still named honorable mention all-conference.

Vorst tallied 210 kills, 135 digs and 37 total blocks in 21 matches before the injury cut her season short.

Junior Samantha Granger and sophomore Lindsy Reindel  also return after having successful seasons with 193 and 139 kills, respectively.

Junior Amanda Calhoun is also back to serve as the Oilers setter as she totaled 1,059 assists and 259 digs as a sophomore. 

Defensively, the Oilers return a number of able bodies in sophomore Becca Shoemaker, senior Jacqui Endre and senior Brittany Hall.  Shoemaker led the team with 309 digs while Endre and Hall recorded 274 and 260 digs, respectively.

Sophomore Julie Lyons, who racked up 38 kills in 36 sets, will also return to the team along with a host of newcomers who are expected to earn valuable playing time for the Oilers in 2013.