Big Bend volleyball hopes for net improvement

MOSES LAKE -—Taking a moment to put the past in perspective, the

2009 volleyball season for the Big Bend Community College (BBCC)

Lady Vikings was anything but memorable as they finished 4-25

overall. But enough of that already.

MOSES LAKE --Taking a moment to put the past in perspective, the 2009 volleyball season for the Big Bend Community College (BBCC) Lady Vikings was anything but memorable as they finished 4-25 overall.

But enough of that already.

A new season brings a tone of change in the air at the Peter DeVries Activity Center as the current edition of volleyball players at BBCC bring a renewed vigor and confidence that could help head coach Michael De Hoog celebrate better times.

"Last year is past and we aren't going to think about that since we have new eight new girls and they have a lot of talent so I am really excited," BBCC sophomore Becky Moudree said. "We've got some taller girls with killer verticals and they can pass. We have more speciality going for us and have a full team of just volleyball players so we will have our whole team for the whole year."

De Hoog, who enters his 10th year at the helm, injected his roster with a bounty of youth to join forces with his four returnees -- Amy Teuscher (outside hitter), Erika Hanson (outside hitter), Chelsea Treischel (setter), and Moudree (middle blocker).

"We have a solid group of returning players that have put in time to improving their individual games in the offseason and a good crop of freshmen that will definitely raise the level of athleticism and skill in our gym," De Hoog said. "Our offense will be able to be spread around more with more offensive options which will hopefully get us a lot of one-on-one against blockers. Our ball control is also much improved."

All four sophomores come back as former starters so the transition to setting a lineup and see it jell may be quicker than in other scenarios.

"Our returners should be making an impact at each of their positions," De Hoog said. "Becky was top 10 in the NWAACC in two offensive categories this past season. Erika was really making huge strides offensively and putting up great numbers on the right side last year until we had to move her to the middle because of injuries. Amy Teuscher and Chelsea Treischel will put up good numbers for us."

The returnees have also seen the coaching staff appear more comfortable and in turn more energized with the athletes under their charge.

"This year the coaches see more potential and are pushing us harder because they know we can do it," Teuscher said. "Our effort is at a higher level and the coaches are putting things in to place. The biggest part is their enthusiasm themselves and in each drill they push us. They know how to push each player individually and get them more pumped up."

Despite the better vibe in the gym the fact remains that the Lady Vikings' must improve defensively to become a factor in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community College (NWAACC) especially after dipping to 1-17 last year.

"Defense will be a key for us," De Hoog said. "We have the capability to play extremely solid defense. We just need to get the incoming players used to playing more than one defense and get our blockers extremely disciplined. When we get there, we have the size at the net and the ball control in the back row to play some really good ball."

Key will be integrating the newcomers into De Hoog's defensive alignments and the higher pace of play.

One of those newcomers is Wilson Creek graduate Ksenja Fredere (outside hitter).

"I am really excited because I think this will challenge me more since its a higher intensity than what I am used to," Fredere said. "I think we will be successful and I am excited to play near home because I believe I will have a lot of support and come watch me and support my athletic career even though I am not in high school anymore."

The challenge to step up in play will be the norm for freshmen, Kendra Bailey (outside hitter/Rupert, Idaho), Rylie Borstelman (setter/Pocatello, Idaho), Kristina Reitsma (middle blocker/Jerome, Idaho), Megan Daniels (libero, defensive specialist/Albany, OR), Koni Larimer (libero, defensive specialist/Ellensburg), Lydia Treischel (outside hitter, defensive specialist/Cusick), and Lindsay Wakelam (middle blocker/Nampa, Idaho).

"I'm excited about each and every one of the freshman and what they bring to our program," De Hoog said. "Lindsey and Kristina will be competing for time in the middle and I feel comfortable with either of them plugged in their. Kendra and Ksenja are two very athletic kids on the outside for us, Rylie is a setter coming in who really runs the offense well and is extremely quick. Koni, Megan and Lydia are all great defensive and serve receive kids. It will be tough competition for those three kids, but it's a coach's dream to have kids fighting for positions."

Moudree has seen the chemistry between new and old players come along quickly.

"We get along really well and this year we are not playing favorites," Moudree said. "We are hustling and high-fiving one another and just keeping it in the back of the mind we are out there to best represent ourselves."

Now the team hopes that the improved chemistry and athleticism translate into goal attainment.

"We want to get better everyday as individuals and as a team," De Hoog said. "I view success as playing at a level close to the peak of our ability. If we play where we're capable of playing on a consistent basis, it should transfer to some wins for us.

But wins won't come easy in an always competitive NWAACC and their own Eastern Region.

"There's not a single team that won't be a tough match," De Hoog said. "Year in and year out, the Eastern Region is brutally tough from top to bottom and there are so many close matches that standings are separated by the slimmest of margins. Our goal is to be top four so we make the tourney. In recent years, the playoff hunt has been so tight that we've had playoffs to get in or it's come down to the last match of the season to see who goes."

Regardless of how the season plays out the players know that a strong start could make all the difference.

Tonight fans can take a peek at the edition of the Lady Vikings at the Alumni scrimmage starting at 6 p.m.

They then scrimmage at Yakima Valley Community College on Monday before heading to Multnomah University on Sept. 2.

"If we go out and work our hardest n the pre season tournaments it will help us build confidence toward the whole season," Teuscher said. "With eight new freshmen as so a big part, we will be figuring out how each one plays so we can play together as a team."

BIG BEND LADY VIKINGS VOLLEYBALL

Head coach: Michael De Hoog (10th season)

Assistant coaches: Niki Baker (3rd season) and Rachel Roylance (1st season)

2009 Overall Record: 4-25

2009 NWAACC Record: 1-17

Returning players: 4 (Amy Teuscher (outside hitter), Erika Hanson (outside hitter), Chelsea Treischel (setter), and Becky Moudree (middle blocker).

Returning starters: 4 (Amy Teuscher (outside hitter), Erika Hanson (outside hitter), Chelsea Treischel (setter), and Becky Moudree (middle blocker).

Newcomers: Ksenja Fredere (outside hitter/Wilson Creek), Kendra Bailey (outside hitter/Rupert, Idaho), Rylie Borstelman (setter/Pocatello, Idaho), Kristina Reitsma (middle blocker/Jerome, Idaho), Megan Daniels (libero, defensive specialist/Albany, OR), Koni Larimer (libero, defensive specialist/Ellensburg), Lydia Treischel (outside hitter, defensive specialist/Cusick), and Lindsay Wakelam (middle blocker/Nampa, Idaho).