2008 Volleyball Season Preview

Head coach Judy McGraw bid farewell to her first full recruiting class last spring, a group of four seniors who saw a significant amount of playing time over their four-year careers. But this season, as the Blazers embark on their second season in the Capital Athletic Conference,

McGraw’s lineup will be comprised primarily of underclassmen. In fact, 10 of the 15 student-athletes on the roster are either freshmen or sophomores.

The seasoned veteran with the most collegiate experience is senior captain Jamie Gardner. In 78 games last season, Gardner, an outside hitter, tallied 111 kills and 189 digs, ranking her in the top four on the team in both categories. Junior Ashley Burns, who lettered for the volleyball team in 2006, returns to the court and should start in the middle. Burns smacked 62 kills in 74 games as a freshman and was second on that squad with 30 total blocks.

Sophomore Kristina Straub saw a decent amount of court time last season, sharing the setting duties with four-year starter Caroline Woodhams. Straub, who was also used on the front line last season, racked up 349 assists, 72 kills and 228 digs last fall.

Classmate Chelsea Weaver was hampered by an injury for most of last season but did see action in 16 of Hood’s 27 matches. In 38 games, she compiled 37 kills and 57 digs and should see a more significant role this season. Right-side threat Kristan Hawkins is one of the taller athletes in the Hood lineup and should see an increase in her 2007 numbers as well. She appeared in 24 matches and put down 63 kills while ranking second in total blocks with 31.

McGraw has used junior Leah Garland primarily as a setter but her versatility allows for some flexibility in the Blazer lineup. She set up 101 Hood kills a year ago and smacked 30 of her own. Garland also registered 81 digs and served up nine service aces in a reserve role.

Other returners who will add to the depth of the squad are sophomores Lena Bushrod and Katie Worthington. Bushrod, a defensive specialist, posted 143 digs in 25 matches as a libero. Worthington, a middle blocker, struck for 39 kills and had 19 rejections during her rookie campaign.

McGraw added six newcomers to her lineup, most of whom will be used to strengthen the defense. The recruiting class includes local products Ashley Haines of Walkersville High School, Jillian Jones of Gov. Thomas Johnson High School and Megan Heidel of Catoctin High School. Katherine Brosious came to Hood from Sterling High School in New Jersey. Sophomore Amy Koshnick is a native of Waraw, Ind., and senior Bailey Runkles attended Knob Noster High School in Dickerson, Md.; both join the team for the first time this season.

Hood will host two triangulars this fall in Gambrill Gymnasium in addition to four CAC rivals. The Blazers’ goal is to qualify for the CAC tournament in November, which will mean securing one of the top six spots in the nine-team conference.