PREVIEW: Experience to lead way for DWU volleyball in 2018

MITCHELL, S.D. – After just missing the Great Plains Athletic Conference Postseason Tournament last year, the Dakota Wesleyan University volleyball team returns 21 players to the roster from a season ago – poised to make a run in 2018.

 The Tigers return All-GPAC Second Team member Rebecca Frick for her junior season. Frick led the team and was second in the GPAC with 462 kills and 3.9 kills per set. She also led the team with 510 points and was second on the team with 470 digs.

 "Becky has two solid seasons under her belt now, and I have high expectations for her to be one of the top outside hitters in the conference," head volleyball coach Lindsay Wilber said. "Becky was an All-Conference Second Team pick last season. She has become more of a terminator, and we as a unit are dependent on her to finish a play when needed."

 Joining Frick on the All-GPAC Team in their first seasons were Sara Herman and Bridgett Knobbe, as they were each named All-GPAC Honorable Mention. Herman led the team with 610 digs at the libero position. The Reliance, S.D., native averaged five digs per set, good for second in the GPAC. Knobbe returns for her sophomore season after leading the Tigers with 1,066 assists and 27 aces in her first year. She averaged 8.7 assists per set to sit at fourth in the conference.

 "Sara will be our starting libero for the second year, and I only expect her to become more confident on the court," Wilber said. "Bridgett has improved in her quickness and decision making tremendously from last season. She had a great spring, and I only expect that to carry over into her sophomore year."

 Other experienced players who return for their junior and sophomore seasons include local talents Sydney Fritz, Emily Brunsing, Kimberly VanBockern, Chelsey Heeg and Nebraska natives Madlyn Christiansen and Mallory Cooper.

 Brunsing and VanBockern will lead the charge for the Tigers at the net as each led the Tigers in blocks last season. Brunsing totaled 119 blocks, while VanBockern added 78 blocks. VanBockern was fourth on the team with 177 kills, while Brunsing added 161 kills.

 "It is always nice to have players who have experience on the court," Wilber said. "Last season was a year where new players were getting a feel for where they belonged position-wise and playing against such tough opponents. The depth makes our practices very interesting. I also like to be able to have multiple players who I feel I can trust to put on the court in pressure situations."

 Fritz comes off an impressive sophomore season after finishing third on the team with 147 kills and 1.5 kills per set while totaling 39 blocks. On the defensive side, Cooper will be looked upon to lead the Tigers after a standout season. The Orchard, Neb., native finished third on the team with 348 digs and 2.9 digs per set. DWU will also rely upon Heeg and Christiansen after seeing significant playing time last season. Heeg recorded 232 kills, which was second on the team, while Christiansen was second on the team with 23 service aces.

 "My first goal is to continue to build on the positive culture that has been continued over the past couple of years within our volleyball program," Wilber said. "We were top five in the nation in our GPA in the classroom. I have another group of players who are good teammates and who will play for each other, which is what every coach wants to see. On the court, I would like us to be over that .500 mark percentage-wise again and make the playoffs in our conference."

 In the preseason poll, the Tigers were picked 11th in the GPAC, a spot lower than where they finished a season ago. Picked a spot ahead of DWU is the College of Saint Mary, a team the Tigers beat in their lone matchup last year.

 "It has already motivated us in practice," Wilber said of being picked 11th in the conference. "The team has been working really hard, and we plan to approach every match as a chance for us to prove to ourselves and the conference that we can win some matches and compete in the best conference in the nation."

 The Tigers begin the season at the Robert Morris University Eagles Invite in Chicago, Ill. on Friday, as they play four games in two days.

 "We are super excited to go to Chicago and play opponents who we don't get to see," Wilber said. "It is fun to play against teams that aren't from our area. It is also nice to get some time away from campus as a unit and only have to focus on winning volleyball matches."

 DWU opens its home season against Dakota State University on Aug. 29, followed by the annual Corn Palace Classic with the Tigers playing four games in two days. Near the end of the season, Dakota Wesleyan travels to York, Neb., to take on Friends University and York College on Oct. 19.

 The conference slate begins against the University of Jamestown at home on Sept. 4 at the Corn Palace. Parents' Night will be played against GPAC foe Concordia University at 3 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the Christen Family Athletic Center, while the Dig Pink match will be played against the College of Saint Mary at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 at the Corn Palace. The Tigers conclude the regular season on Senior Night against Briar Cliff at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the Corn Palace.