As the Baker volleyball team enters the 2008 season with high expectations, the Wildcats have been getting used to many new faces, including nine freshmen.
Head coach Kathy Allen described her team in two words: young and athletic.
“We’ve got a lot of positions to fill, and they are all going to have to be filled by substitutes or freshmen this year,” Allen said.
Baker is looking to continue its 2007 success as the team finished 23-14. The ‘Cats will be returning two first team all-conference players in outside hitter Alexis Pryor and libero Jayde Allen. Sophomore Brooke Pryor and junior Sarah Laha also bring back experience from the varsity level.
Coach Allen said she is looking for junior Nikki Anderson to fill a key role at the middle hitting position and sophomore Kendra Stephens to contend for the right side hitting position. She also will look to use junior Taylor Glessner as a utility player to fill several roles.
Top recruit Brooke Allen, younger sister to teammate Jayde Allen, will also have a heavy load on her shoulders for the season.
“Brooke (Allen) is probably one of the most notable and highly recruited incomers,” coach Allen said. “She was recruited by all schools in Kansas at every level.”
Coach Allen said Brooke Allen and fellow freshman Kassie Mishko will both contend for the setting position that is open.
“Losing a setter who’s had three years of experience can hurt your team because you have to rebuild, but at the same time, we’re giving someone else a chance to take responsibility and step up,” Laha said. “They’ve got big shoes to fill because they don’t have the experience.”
Though she has not decided who will fill the setting spot, coach Allen said she has confidence in both young setters.
“Each one of them can add a different dimension to the setting spot,” she said. “It’s tough to come in as a freshman and fill that role. I’m just glad I have two of them.”
Coach Allen said she will also look to freshman Rachael Solis to fill the second middle hitting position.
Stephens said she feels very positive about the team’s progression so far through training camp and a week of practicing.
“Although we’re really young, a lot of freshmen have stepped up as practices and training camp has gone on,” Stephens said. “We are becoming more unified and learning how to play with each other.”
The Wildcats have a long road ahead, as they will travel to six conference schools and showcase four on their home court.
Baker finished fourth last season in the Heart of American Athletic Conference behind Evangel University, William Jewell College and Lindenwood University.
The 'Cats will have their first test at the Embry Riddle Tournament this Friday and Saturday in Daytona Beach, Fla. <br/>&#160;&#160;&#160;