2008 Simpson College Volleyball Preview
Simpson returns a veteran squad that will be paced by junior setter Tara Christensen. Christensen was named first team All-Conference as she directed the offense to 1,318 assists and posted 281 digs. The 5-7 Hinton native also is a threat on the offensive end, recording 143 kills and a .187 hitting percentage.
"Tara's experience as one of the most talented setters in the Iowa Conference will be a source of constancy and momentum for us this season," said Simpson head coach Lana Smith. "She provides great court chemistry and will elevate our play as a team."
Up front, the Storm have several options to choose from. Senior Jayna Fischbach started her 100th consecutive match Oct. 23 against Wartburg and has now started every match (107) in which she has appeared in as a member of the Storm. She charted 289 kills, 192 digs, and 86 blocks. Entering 2008, she has recorded 970 career kills. Sophomore Amy Schuster and senior Amanda Norelius both earned All-Conference honors a year ago. Schuster was selected second team All-Conference. The 5-8 Indianola native led the Iowa Conference in hitting percentage and finished fourth in the league in service aces. She ended 2007 with 351 kills, a .278 hitting percentage (351-111-862), 58 service aces, and 39 blocks. Norelius was chosen honorable mention All-Conference after finishing the season third in the Iowa Conference in hitting percentage. The 6-2 Ankeny native led the team in hitting (.291). She was third on the squad in kills (305) and blocks (71).
"Jayna, Amy, and Amanda are physical players," Smith said. "Their abilities, court leadership and experience will be an important factor to our success this season. They have the opportunity to make positive impacts on our performance."
Junior Whitney Oviatt emerged as a threat a year ago. After spending her freshman season on the junior varsity, The 6-0 middle hitter, led the Storm in blocks with 114. She was second on squad in kills with 323.
"Whitney will be an important factor in our offense this season," Smith said. "Her competitiveness, drive, and hard work have been paying off for her on the court. She has the ability to do great things in the Iowa Conference this Fall."
Junior Maggie Schuttler and sophomore Lexie Hagerty saw time up front for the Storm a year ago. Schuttler posted 216 kills and 171 digs in 32 varsity appearances. Hagerty played in 32 varsity matches, charting 60 kills and 99 digs.
"Maggie and Lexie have been instrumental in our varsity rotation," Smith said. "Maggie will look to challenge and compete (for a position on the) outside while Lexie brings tremendous possibilities to our team with her versatility. Her court presence will add to our tempo of play."
The backline features junior libero Brittany Friesth and sophomore defensive specialist Jacki Aronow. Friesth became the 12th Simpson player to record 1,000 career digs Oct. 23 at Wartburg. Her 592 digs were the fifth most in a season by a Simpson player. She enters 2008 season with 1,164 career digs, the ninth most in school history. Aronow had 230 digs, 50 service aces, and 30 assists.
"Brittany and Jacki have gained valuable match confidence and experience," Smith said. "They both are very dependable defensively and their intensity and abilities will raise our level of play."