Volleyball Eager For Start Of 2015 Season
Frederick, Md.- The Lady Cougars Volleyball team is entering the 2015 season hungry for success after last season's Region XX championship match loss to NOVA. FCC finished the 2014 campaign with a record setting year going 23-8 overall and filled the trophy case as Region XX Runner's-Up. The team had four players named to the Region XX All-Tournament Team as well as first & second Team All-Region and MD JUCO honors. With the program only graduating three sophomores, the returning roster is full of starters ready to compete.
Among those returning to the court are outside hitters from Middletown, MD Emily Rabat, Howard County native Victoria Ketner, and middle powerhouse Colleen Weant from Thurmont, MD.
"The effort demonstrated by the returners in off season training has transformed their play and will push our program to the next level," Head Coach Ashley Rippeon stated. Ketner topped the statistics leaderboard for the MD JUCO conference in total digs (466) and digs per set (4.76). Rabat also had a tremendous season that labeled her as a threat to any program with her dominant attack from the strong side. The outside hitter led the conference in total kills (287) and second in kills per set (3.05). Weant has found her competitive edge in the off-season showing her work ethic and incredible talent. One of her many impacts on the court came from the end line with 44 service aces. She also finished the season with 126 kills and looks to make waves again this year from the center. The combination of power, skill, and leadership from all the returners including Jackie Burns, Leeanna Barnes, and Jordan Wathen leaves the Cougars as a force to be reckoned with for the upcoming season.
Two of the top freshmen prospects come from state champion high school teams. Victoria Bryant joins the team as a dynamic setter from New Life Christian School, and Haley Gieck is a versatile defensive specialist from Oakdale High School. Bryant has a consistent touch that will offer solid leadership on the court. Gieck provides an unrelenting drive to not let a ball hit the floor.
"Haley's passion and effort during the pre-season has shown that she will make a tremendous impact to our team, " said Coach Rippeon. Another positive personality that will impact the team dynamic comes from defensive specialist Marion Asang from Governor Thomas Johnson High School. "Her positivity is infectious and will definitely change the team chemistry both on and off the court," said Coach Rippeon.
Newcomer to the court but not to the team comes from 6'3" middle blocker Erica Buls. An injury kept Buls from competing in the 2014 season, but she is healthy and ready to get back on the court. "Erica's height and strength is something the program has missed. We are excited to see where she will shine on the court," Coach Rippeon said.
Additional standouts joining the program include Azeen Farahani, Kendall Cohagan, and Amy Gust.
The season opens with two back-to-back home contests with perianal powerhouse Potomac State College of WV, September 3rd, followed by the first MD JUCO conference match-up of 2015 with CCBC Essex on September 8th. The Cougars then make a return to the Charm City Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament on September 12th hosted by Baltimore City Community College where the team dominated with a first place finish in 2014. The midseason schedule continues with additional conference matches including a road trip to Harford Community College on October 8th and Allegany College on our home court October 15th. The Cougars finish the regular season with a trip south to play DII leaders Louisburg College and Wake Technical Community College among others. The 2015 Region XX Tournament will take place at Hagerstown Community College on November 7th and 8th.
The combination of our powerful returners and the dedication of the incoming freshman are likely to create the perfect storm. "Preseason has shown tremendous potential for program success and I am looking forward to what 2015 has in store," said Coach Rippeon. "I am excited to see such a dedicated group of young women who are already connecting and have a relentless drive to improve their game. As a coach, what more could you ask for."
Make sure to visit the FCC Athletics website for more information about season schedules and updates on the team, athletics.frederick.edu and on Twitter at @CougarPrideFCC & @FCCvolleyball.