The 2007 season was a momentous one for the Goshen College volleyball program. The Maple Leafs had their first winning season since a 17-15 finish in 2004, while also picking up more conference wins than in the two previous seasons combined. What may prove to be the most important part of a solid 2007 campaign was how it sets the tone for the future of the program.
The 2008 version of the Maple Leafs returns five starters, including all three players who received post-season recognition from the very strong Mid-Central College Conference.
Head Coach Jewel Lehman has not settled for the status quo as she had gone out and recruiting several impact players that will enter the rotation immediately.
“We combine a strong core of leaders along with four new players who are working hard and stepping up their game,” explained Lehman.
That nucleus has set Goshen up for a run at long-term success as well. This year’s team features no seniors and a bench far deeper than those of the past.
Lehman added, “The benefits of having more depth and talent are already evident in the intensity and level of play in practice, especially in six versus six drills and scrimmage situations.”
With all the excitement and energy, comes a new sense of expectation. Last season proved that anything is possible with moments like defeating the University of St. Francis on senior night – the program’s first win over the Cougars in a decade. Accomplishments like Peni Acayo being named First-Team All MCC and NAIA Region VIII Freshman of the Year and winning the MCC season opener for the first time since 2005 have shifted the mindset of the program.
“Coach and player expectations are high for the season as far as overall record and conference record,” explained Lehman, who acknowledged, “We are aware that the teams in our conference are powerful and
know we will have play tough in every match.”
This time around, the Leafs may have the guns and the depth to do just that. Acayo returns for her sophomore season after averaging 4.59 kills a game, which placed her second in the conference.
On the outside, sisters Brittany and Kelsey Herschberger now have a year of experience in the MCC and each tallied more than 200 kills in 2007.
Junior setter returns after a season where she ranked second in the conference with 10.5 assists a game. With the return of explosive attackers Gina Richard and Ashley Janssen and the addition of three young athletes that stand 5-foot, 11-inches or taller, the arsenal is definitely at the disposal of Coach Lehman.
The key, then, is making the most of every opportunity. Lehman added, “Our success hinges on consistently maximizing our strengths and minimizing our weaknesses as a team.”
OUTSIDE HITTERS
Opponents throughout the Mid-Central Conference had no idea what hit them when they experienced the heavy hitting and defensive touch of Herschberger sisters (not twins) Kelsey and Brittany last season. Brittany led the 2007 team with 384 digs and was one of four Maple Leafs with over 200 kills. Sister Kelsey was one of the four others, while also posting solid numbers of 33 aces, 42 blocks, and 229 digs. Coach Lehman added a pair of tall freshman – both are 6-foot – that will both have immediate impacts on the rotation. Standout basketball player Cassandra Greives and
returner Alicia Swartzentruber add depth and a spark off the bench for a very deep 2008 squad.
MIDDLE HITTERS
All three middle hitters on the 2008 roster registered more than 175 kills and 30 blocks in 2007. Led by Mid-Central Conference and NAIA Region VIII Freshman of the Year Peni Acayo – who was second in the
conference with 4.59 kills a game – the trio possesses the quick start and superior jumping ability required in the middle of the court. Each of the three have
all-around volleyball skills (digging, attacking,
serving) and the ability to change a match in a hurry.
SETTERS
Coming off a breakout sophomore campaign that saw her dish out 10.5 assists a game, Allison Hawkins has a flurry of options to distribute the ball to. With most elite setters, Hawkins boasts soft hands, vision, and knows the game well. Her continued improvement will be key to taking the Leafs to the next level. Fellow junior Lindsey Nofziger provides a outstanding option off the bench.
DEFENSIVE MINDSET
In 2007, four players totaled over 200 digs as the Maple Leafs averaged 16.5 a game. Those type of numbers take a extraordinary effort from the entire team. While that will continue to be the case, junior Kyla Yoder is the lone player with specific defensive designation. Playing in the back row, the Hesston College transfer will use her speed and athleticism to dig opposing attacks and quickly turn them into offense.
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