2007-08 UGF Volleyball Season Outlook

The 2007 UGF Lady Argo Volleyball Team is hungry to repeat as Frontier Conference Champions.  This year’s team will be challenged as Coach Duda has scheduled 8 NAIA Top 25 teams for preseason competition.  However, with a successful spring season and the addition of several nationally recruited athletes, the Argos are up to the challenge. 

Outside Hitters:  This year the Argo squad returns team captain and First Team All-Conference and First Team All Region outside hitter Brittany Prater.  She led the team in kills and was a dominant force on the outside.  Also returning is red shirt senior Carlina Hapke, who is looking forward to making her last season her best. Also returning at this position are redshirts Nicole Johnson from Armstrong, BC and Dano Blair from Helena, MT.

Key Newcomers: The Argos will be deep at outside hitter once again with the addition of Jennifer Andrews to the core of players.  Her ball control will be an immediate aid.

Middle Blockers:  The Argos return two of the best two middle blockers in the conference for only their sophomore campaign.  Cali Buck earned All-Conference and All-Freshmen honors last season and Samantha Bull had an excellent spring dominating in the middle.  These two along with the experience and quickness of Jodi Miller will make this one of the strongest positions for the Argos in the fall.

Key Newcomers:  The Argos signed several new players to solidify the middle this year by adding Kiri Winkler and Kelsey Estabrook.  Kiri also adds collegiate playing experience transferring in from UM Western.  She had a great spring improving on her blocking and transition.  Kelsey’s athleticism will be a great asset to an already strong group of players. 

Right Side Hitters:  Returning to the Argos this season is senior Lesly Richter and Sophomore Marissa Stanchfield.  Richter started on the right side last season and will most likely share time in the Argo’s new 6-2 rotation.  Both players are very experienced and mature individuals and will greatly contribute to the success of the team.

Key Newcomers:  The Argos added even more experience and athleticism to the right side in the signing of lefty Tegan Leahy from Lethbridge, AB.  Tegan has a great work ethic and will fit in very well with the Argo system.

Setters:  Returning to help run the show this year is senior setter Brianne Goudey.  Bri saw limited time last year due to an early knee injury, but will do an excellent job for the Argos this upcoming season.  She had a great spring season and feels very comfortable with her group of hitters. 

Key Newcomers:  The Argos got a lot deeper at the setter position signing Jocelyn Judd, Kali Schmidt, and Lorraine Aguilar.  Judd transfers to the Argos from Division 2 Northwest Nazarene University where she will make an immediate impact for the Argos.  Lorraine has great experience on the court running one of the dominant southern California high schools.  Kali comes from a winning tradition at Whitefish HS and will continue her success as she attempts to lead the Argos to another conference title.

Defensive Specialists:  The Argos return three very impressive defensive players this season.  Junior Kari Schiller led the conference in digs per game at the libero position and is quickly becoming a dominant defensive player in the league.  She was voted conference and regional Libero of the Year, and was the most dominant defensive player in the northwest.  Charmayne Anderson is one of the teams’ best passers and has improved her defense significantly in the spring.  Redshirt Freshman Lora Weitzel had an excellent spring season and is reading the ball very well.

Key Newcomers:  Jessie Olson joins the Argo squad this season and will quickly develop into a significant defensive presence.  She has an excellent attitude and work ethic that will help her make a quick impact. 

Key Match-ups

9/7         Friday                  UGF home Tournament vs. #16 Lee University

9/21       Friday                  UGF at home vs. Rocky Mtn. College 7pm

9/22       Saturday              UGF at home vs. Carroll College 7pm

9/30       Saturday              UGF at home vs. LC State 2pm

10/4       Thursday             UGF at home vs. MSU Northern

10/12     Friday                  UGF at home vs. UM Western 7pm

10/13     Saturday              UGF at home vs. Westminster College 2pm

10/26     Friday                  UGF at home vs. MT Tech 7pm

10/27     Saturday              UGF at home vs. UM Western 2pm (Senior Night)