Lancers Talent Ready For 2008

BY SCOTT MORRISON
sports@yankton.net

With a group of young girls last season, the Mount Marty College Lancer Volleyball squad (7-22 (2-14 GPAC)) had difficulties staying afloat in the GPAC last year.

However, after losing only two girls to graduation, the Lancers are excited because their potential to compete with throughout the year.

Eighth year coach Tracy Grotenhuis and her girls are aiming to improve on last season and find out just how good they can be.

“Our goal this year is to improve. We have worked hard throughout the spring and in these first weeks of fall to get better. Everyone is eager to show what they are capable of,” Grotenhuis said.

Unlike last year, where many girls were still young, leadership is going to be a key for the Lancers.

“The best thing that we can take from last year is our experience. We basically knew what we had to work on in the off-season and now it is time to show we’ve improved,” Grotenhuis said.

The leadership starts with the Lancers three seniors.

Setter Abby Haiar is the most notable of the three. Haiar was selected as a member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference 2nd team last year.

Haiar is the pulse of the Lancers offense. She is best at running a quick attack that keeps opponents off-balance.

“Abby has great ability to lead the team. She runs a quick offense and she is able to get the ball to our hitters without problems,” Grotenhuis said.

Senior right side hitter Emily Rasmussen should also play a substantial role in the team’s offence. Hitters may prove to be a determining factor for the team’s success.

Rasmussen has been a starter the last three years and was second on the team in kills last year. She is looked at as a strength on the outside.

Senior outside hitter Lindsay Beacom is also expected to step up this year. Beacom had an outstanding spring and is confident that she can take on a full-time role this year.

“Lindsay split time on varsity last year, but had an exceptional spring. We hope that she can into her own this year,” Grotenhuis said.

Also returning for the Lancers are junior middle hitter Kate Carda and sophomore Libero Carly Benson.

Carda is expected to contribute from an attack position. Although she lacks size, she makes up for it in quickness.

“Kate is probably our quickest attacker. She moves fast on the court and we hope she can have a breakout season,” Grotenhuis said.

Benson was the Lancers defensive anchor last year. She started every game and was a foundation for a solid defense.

Anne Hansen, a transfer student from Williston State Junior College, is expected to be a solid defensive player for the Lancers. She has two years remaining to contribute to the team.

Sophomore right back Magie Goree should do well with a year of experience under her belt. Sophomore Kristi Wallers can see time from the defensive specialist position.

Sophomore Krystal Cihak is expected to compete for a spot on the outside.

A newcomer that should contribute well to the Lancers attack is freshman Megan Phillips. She plans to make the transition from middle hitter to outside hitter.

The Lancers begin their season with a home opening triangular against Waldorf College and Dakota State University at Cimpl Arena today.

They start with Waldorf at 11:00 a.m. and Dakota State University at 3:00 p.m..

“We are going to have to work hard to have a strong season this year. Our schedule is difficult and the GPAC is going to be competitive again this year,” Grotenhuis said.