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The same high expectations are in place once again for the Menlo College women’s volleyball program as the curtain opens on another season.
Third-year coach Daniel Rasay has five experienced seniors on a team set to compete for a Cal Pac Conference. The Lady Oaks are looking for their first conference title in three years.
The Cal Pac coaches voted Menlo (7-3 in Cal Pac play, 11-12 overall last year) the favorite to win the conference.
“I think the Cal Pac coaches may look at who we are returning and feel that we have a pretty good shot at winning the conference,” Rasay said. “Because of Menlo’s history of volleyball, teams have always wanted to beat the Oaks. This year will be no different.”
Outside hitters Stephenie Monderine and Camille Miller are coming off stellar junior campaigns, while setter Angie Larsen “takes over the reigns as our main setter,” Rasay said.
Monderine is a two-time All-Cal Pac Conference pick, while Miller was last year’s conference Newcomer of the Year. The duo finished last season first and third in total kills with Monderine recording 204 (to go with 190 digs and 27 service aces) and Miller with 141.
The setter position may have lost an important senior in Jessica Atthowe, though Larsen has been around, recording 241 assists and 108 digs last year.
“She has worked hard over the summer on her technique and looks to lead a potent offense,” Rasay said.
Larsen also recorded a team-high 32 service aces last season.
Seniors Stephanie Wertz and Mika Mendoza also return with plenty of experience. Wertz played in 21 of 23 matches, recording 50 kills, while Mendoza appeared in all 23 matches and led the team with 200 digs. She also had 14 service aces.
“We do have some holes to fill from last season, but that happens all the time,” Rasay said. “We have a solid group returning with some good experience so hopefully that will offset some of the losses of the seniors.”
Menlo also returns sophomore outside hitter Courtney Calicdan, who missed the majority of her freshman campaign due to injury. At the time of her departure last season, Calicdan led the team with 84 kills.
“Getting Courtney back adds more competition and depth at the outside hitter position,” Rasay said. “She worked hard over the summer to come back strong and she is already reaping the benefits of her hard work.”
Rasay is also encouraged about the additions of juniors Katelyn Milligan, Emily Tonascia and Nicole Yap.
Milligan enters her Menlo tenure as a libero/defensive specialist after enjoying success at Butte College. Tonascia brings depth at the middle blocker position , coming over from Gavilan College, while Yap is an outside hitter from the City College of San Francisco.
“Nicole has a great all around game that will help solidify our ball control and also add some offense from the left side,” Rasay said. “Our greatest strength will be our versatility. We have so many well rounded volleyball players that it gives us the option to have a different look on both offense and defense, and also be a little creative with what we do.”
Experience is also another strength, with eight players back whom have played at the collegiate level.
Sophomore Bayley Blackney played in every match last year, with 68 kills to show for it. She led the Oaks with 38 blocks, including 23 solo.
Sophomore Emma Oehler appeared in 18 matches, most often on defense.
The season opens Friday when Menlo meets West Coast Baptist College at the Holiday Inn Express Invitational hosted by UC Merced.
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports
By Palo Alto Online Sports
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