The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
Categories:

Volleyball looks to find success in new era

Brooks Maynard, Reporter
August 20, 2015

In the 2014 season of App State volleyball, the Mountaineers finished with a record of 21‐10 (11‐9 Sun Belt), good for a fifth‐place finish in their first season of Sun Belt play.

The team had several key players along the way, including senior Lauren Gray, who finished fifth in conference in hitting percentage (.314), then‐junior Jess Keller, who finished sixth in kills (369), senior Paige Brown, who led the conference in assists(1324), and then‐junior Emily Corrigan, who took second in kills (496) and in points (536.5).

They also had productive seasons from other players, such as then sophomore libero Olivia Reed and then‐junior libero Meghan Mahoney.

Former App State middle blocker Lauren Gray goes up for the attack during last year’s home game against Presbyterian. Gray, who finished fifth in conference hitting percentage (.314), graduated last year.
Former App State middle blocker Lauren Gray goes up for the attack during last year’s home game against Presbyterian. Gray, who finished fifth in conference hitting percentage (.314), graduated last year.

The Mountaineers lost Gray to graduation, as well as Jacqui Spurgeon, Dalton Tolliver and Caroline Wainwright. They will look to returning seniors Corrigan,

Brown and Keller for leadership in the upcoming season.

They have been tabbed to finish fourth in conference this season, behind UALR, Texas State and Arkansas State, three teams App State had the most trouble with in 2014. App State had a combined record of 1‐5 against these opponents on the season.

The Mountaineers will look to several key players to have big seasons this year, including Preseason All‐Sun Belt selections, outside hitter Emily Corrigan and setter Paige Brown. Brown was also selected as the conference’s Preseason Setter of the Year.

With the loss of middle blocker Gray, App State will need someone to step up and pick up the slack, such as sophomore Cassidy Stephenson, or new freshman players Eden Hilbert and Alana Shoff.

The Mountaineers also have several transfer players for the upcoming season in junior middle blocker Gregory Ashton (Furman) and sophomore middle blocker Courtney Sullivan (UNCG).

Overall, App State will need a whole team effort to improve upon last year’s mark.

While the Mountaineers played respectfully, they will need players to step up and pick up the slack if they wish to move in a progressive direction.

They have a tough road ahead, but also the skill to overcome it, if they work hard enough and play as a team.

Story: Brooks Maynard, Sports Reporter

Photo: Justin Perry, Visual Managing Editor

View Story Comments
Print this Story
Donate to The Appalachian
$6435
$10000
Contributed
Our Goal

We hope you appreciate this article! Before you move on, our student staff wanted to ask if you would consider supporting The Appalachian's award-winning journalism. We are celebrating our 90th anniversary of The Appalachian in October 2024!

We receive funding from the university, which helps us to compensate our students for the work they do for The Appalachian. However, the bulk of our operational expenses — from printing and website hosting to training and entering our work into competitions — is dependent upon advertising revenue and donations. We cannot exist without the financial and educational support of our fellow departments on campus, our local and regional businesses, and donations of money and time from alumni, parents, subscribers and friends.

Our journalism is produced to serve the public interest, both on campus and within the community. From anywhere in the world, readers can access our paywall-free journalism, through our website, through our email newsletter, and through our social media channels. Our supporters help to keep us editorially independent, user-friendly, and accessible to everyone.

If you can, please consider supporting us with a financial gift from $10. We appreciate your consideration and support of student journalism at Appalachian State University. If you prefer to make a tax-deductible donation, or if you would prefer to make a recurring monthly gift, please give to The Appalachian Student News Fund through the university here: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1727/cg20/form.aspx?sid=1727&gid=2&pgid=392&cid=1011&dids=418.15&bledit=1&sort=1.

About the Contributor
Brooks Maynard, Reporter
Donate to The Appalachian
$6435
$10000
Contributed
Our Goal