True Grit: 2017 Women's Volleyball Preview
August 22, 2017 | Women's Volleyball
IRVINE, Calif. -- The 2017 women's volleyball team read Grit in the offseason and third year head coach Ashlie Hain said that's exactly what she sees every day in the gym.
"The culture is shifting," Hain said. "The players put in work during the off-season and the expectations are high. We are all business. Everyone understands their role and has taken responsibility."
The work ethic has led to a productive pre-season. "We play with heart and are scrappy," Hain continued.
The leadership of the upperclassmen has also had a lot to do with the increased efficiency and performance.
"It's nice to see our players develop as leaders. Our upperclassmen have really come in to their own and matured. They know what it's going to take to succeed."
The Anteaters will be led by first team All-Big West first team performer Harlee Kekuaoha. She set a school record and had the top mark in the Big West with a single-match hitting percentage of .923 (12-0-13) against Cal State Fullerton. Last year, the junior was second on the team in kills with a 2.54 average and led the team with 51 aces. Kekauoha was one of nine players in the country to record three triple-doubles.
Senior libero Luna Tsujimoto and junior setter Ali Koumelis will be look to provide veteran leadership. Tsujimoto played in all 118 games last season and averaged 3.79 digs per set, which was sixth best in the Big West. Koumelis played in just 32 games due to illness, but averaged 7.24 set assists per game before being sidelined.
"Our right side is extremely strong with Harlee, Luna and Ali. The offense is extremely fast and they all play really good defense."
Junior Haley DeSales and sophomore Loryn Carter return on the outside for their second season with the Anteaters. DeSales averaged 1.63 kills and 2.39 digs per set, while Carter was third on the team with a 2.00 kill average.
"Haley will be a consistent force all-around and Loryn is a powerful hitter," Hain added.
The Anteaters will be strong in the middle with junior Idara Akpakpa and sophomore Makayla Wolfe along with Danika Ferguson who redshirted last season. Akpakpa averaged 1.31 kills and 0.71 blocks per game and Wolfe owned a team-best 0.88 block average.
"Our middle should be strong. Idara is a veteran and Makayla is faster and stronger and more confident this year. I'm excited to see them play."
"Our hitters are all more confident this year," Hain said. "They trust the system and know everyone will be accountable for every play."
Senior Brianna Montgomery, sophomores Merin Kolte and Nicole Luszczak are also projected to be effective contributors to the Anteater lineup, while Chloe Hakim and Erin Alonso add depth to the defense.
Joining the squad are newcomers Bria Beale, Cassie Stewart, Laura Butler, Elise Coash and Josie Cole.
Hain is excited to go in to the gym every day and can't wait to see how the hard work will translate in to match action.
"Serving will be a weapon for us. We have the opportunity to score every time we step up to the service line," Hain finished up. "We should be more disciplined and smarter. We are gritty and will battle for every point."
The Anteaters begin the season at the Cal Tournament, facing the host Bears this Friday (Aug. 25).
"The first weekend will be a good test," Hain noted. "It will help establish our identity and set the tone for the year. I think we have a fair shot at everyone in the pre-season and that will definitely prepare us to compete in the Big West."
"The culture is shifting," Hain said. "The players put in work during the off-season and the expectations are high. We are all business. Everyone understands their role and has taken responsibility."
The work ethic has led to a productive pre-season. "We play with heart and are scrappy," Hain continued.
The leadership of the upperclassmen has also had a lot to do with the increased efficiency and performance.
"It's nice to see our players develop as leaders. Our upperclassmen have really come in to their own and matured. They know what it's going to take to succeed."
The Anteaters will be led by first team All-Big West first team performer Harlee Kekuaoha. She set a school record and had the top mark in the Big West with a single-match hitting percentage of .923 (12-0-13) against Cal State Fullerton. Last year, the junior was second on the team in kills with a 2.54 average and led the team with 51 aces. Kekauoha was one of nine players in the country to record three triple-doubles.
Senior libero Luna Tsujimoto and junior setter Ali Koumelis will be look to provide veteran leadership. Tsujimoto played in all 118 games last season and averaged 3.79 digs per set, which was sixth best in the Big West. Koumelis played in just 32 games due to illness, but averaged 7.24 set assists per game before being sidelined.
"Our right side is extremely strong with Harlee, Luna and Ali. The offense is extremely fast and they all play really good defense."
Junior Haley DeSales and sophomore Loryn Carter return on the outside for their second season with the Anteaters. DeSales averaged 1.63 kills and 2.39 digs per set, while Carter was third on the team with a 2.00 kill average.
"Haley will be a consistent force all-around and Loryn is a powerful hitter," Hain added.
The Anteaters will be strong in the middle with junior Idara Akpakpa and sophomore Makayla Wolfe along with Danika Ferguson who redshirted last season. Akpakpa averaged 1.31 kills and 0.71 blocks per game and Wolfe owned a team-best 0.88 block average.
"Our middle should be strong. Idara is a veteran and Makayla is faster and stronger and more confident this year. I'm excited to see them play."
"Our hitters are all more confident this year," Hain said. "They trust the system and know everyone will be accountable for every play."
Senior Brianna Montgomery, sophomores Merin Kolte and Nicole Luszczak are also projected to be effective contributors to the Anteater lineup, while Chloe Hakim and Erin Alonso add depth to the defense.
Joining the squad are newcomers Bria Beale, Cassie Stewart, Laura Butler, Elise Coash and Josie Cole.
Hain is excited to go in to the gym every day and can't wait to see how the hard work will translate in to match action.
"Serving will be a weapon for us. We have the opportunity to score every time we step up to the service line," Hain finished up. "We should be more disciplined and smarter. We are gritty and will battle for every point."
The Anteaters begin the season at the Cal Tournament, facing the host Bears this Friday (Aug. 25).
"The first weekend will be a good test," Hain noted. "It will help establish our identity and set the tone for the year. I think we have a fair shot at everyone in the pre-season and that will definitely prepare us to compete in the Big West."
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Volleyball
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OH/MB
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/ Women's VolleyballAnteater Spotlights | Ep. 4 | Ally Bolden
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