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Fall Preview: Volleyball Aiming for Consistency to Climb in the NCAC

| By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

The Blue Streaks have a veteran team capable of greatness this season

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – Consistency is the key for John Carroll Volleyball this season. 

A year ago, the Blue Streaks made a strong debut in the North Coast Athletic Conference. John Carroll finished second in the regular season standings before reaching the tournament final, only to fall short against champion Wittenberg University. 

The preseason prognostication from the coaches' poll calls for the same result, but the Blue Streaks are on the hunt for history. 

While JCU Volleyball has a tradition of solid success, winning conference crowns has proved elusive. The Blue Streaks only have three titles in program history, the last in 1993 during the early days of the Gretchen Weitbrecht era. So, what will it take to get over the hump? 

"Consistency at all levels. In our play on the court and in the standard and team culture," said Head Coach Michele Benoit. "We need to consistently elevate over the course of the season and perform at the level they are capable of in each game. To accomplish that, we're training mentally as well as physically this preseason."

All three of JCU's All-NCAC selections return, for starters. Natalie Glowe, Mary Kate Sheehan, and Olivia Mogyordy form the backbone of the team.

Up front, Glowe led the team in kills by a wide margin with 341 (3.13 kills per set) and developed into an all-around player with 332 digs. The senior from Kirtland is hoping to ascend further this season. Sheehan stood second behind Glowe last season with 243 kills, evolving into a fiery right side during her junior year. In the back row, Mogyordy took the reins with a team-best 597 digs.

The team captains this year are Allie Drlik, Kallan Hrics, and Tess Murray (nee Humphrey), and all will be critical leaders, as well.

Drlik will play a vital role as a defensive specialist. Hrics will be essential as a middle hitter this season after developing into a significant contributor. Murray, who got married in the offseason, will be the team's lead setter. The junior is an all-conference caliber player, though in JCU's 6-2 system, the assist stats aren't always as impressive.  

"All of our upperclassmen will make contributions. We've changed our concept of the standard this season," said Benoit. "Our standard includes being mindful about nutrition, sleep, mental health, and academics. Understanding all the components to being top-notch athletes is important. I am proud of the fact that we've been over a 3.5 GPA as a team four semesters in a row. It starts with our seniors and juniors." 

Speaking of an important senior, also on the forefront this year will be Hailey Williams. The Twinsburg native has starred as an outside hitter. The veteran will be a crucial part of the attack for JCU, as she's been very consistent in the preseason. Grace Jones will be one of the younger players under her wing as a talented sophomore who started to emerge last year. 

Middle hitter is where graduation hit JCU hard, as two of the three graduating seniors played in the middle. Beyond Hrics, young players will be expected to fill the void. Ava Campbell, Claire Beaman, Brooke Conlan, and Khloe Trivoli are all in the mix right now.

At setter, beyond Murray, Caylynn Hovan has looked good thus far and will likely get good time. Laney Higgins has been showing improvement as her coaches have noted. 

In the backline, GG Beuselinck, Elena Montenegro, and Amanda Scaperotta all will get some time. Beuselinck has been doing well during the preseason especially.  

In terms of the schedule, the fun begins with a great showdown against Baldwin Wallace on Tuesday, September 1 at the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center at 7 pm. The first home conference match is Alumni Day, set for Saturday, October 3 vs. DePauw. 

The Blue Streaks will spend several stretches away from home, but the final stretch of conference play features three of four matches at home, including a crucial contest vs. Wittenberg on Wednesday, October 21. 

"I feel confident with the spring season we had and a big group of returners," said Benoit. The first years are coming in and looking strong. The returning core is looking good as well. We have good depth, we just need to elevate consistently. If we get better day by day, we can accomplish our goals this year."
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