ASHLAND, Ohio – Already four matches into the regular season, the Ashland volleyball team is off to a roaring start in its quest to re-join the top of the GLIAC.
Under the direction of eighth-year head coach Connie Surowicz, the Eagles have hopes of advancing through the NCAA playoffs this season.
"The NCAAs are the goal and not just getting there," said Surowicz. "We have to be in a good conference to get there, but our goal is to win it all.
Ashland returns six players from a team that finished 16-14 (9-7 GLIAC) last season. A pair of freshmen last year grew together into prolific roles in the AU offense and now return as a solid 1-2 punch as sophomores this season.
Outside hitter Brittany Snider (Olmsted Falls, Ohio) returns after leading the Eagles last season with 504 kills. She was named the GLIAC Freshman of the Year and finished the season as the conference leader in kills per set (4.44). Snider was also named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Freshman of the Year and was selected to the Daktronics all-region second-team.
Sophomore setter Crystal Elliott (Canal Winchester, Ohio) is also coming off a stellar rookie season. She led the GLIAC in assists per set with 10.44 and was fifth on the team with 175 digs.
"We're still looking for them to become even better players," Surowicz said. "They've made good strides and if that continues I'll be happy."
The Eagles also return leading defensive player Arian Martin (Independence, Ohio), a junior. She led the Eagles with 487 digs and was fourth in the conference in digs per set (4.25). Martin also led the Eagles with 41 service aces.
Ashland will also return a pair of seniors: middle hitter Sophie Paddock (Girard, Ohio/Hubbard) and defensive specialist Lauren Schweitzer (Dublin, Ohio/Bishop Watterson). Surowicz is looking to them to provide the leadership.
"Their leadership might take us to the level we haven't been to in the last couple years," she said. "Their commitment level is higher than it's been in the past. Our teams have a lot of good culture and tradition and those two exemplify what Ashland volleyball is about, beyond the court."
Also returning at outside hitter is Anesia Benton (Lima, Ohio/Senior), who saw time in 61 sets in 2009 and averaged 1.18 kills per set.
Surowicz also added five freshmen to her team, including a few who have already contributed to the Eagles opening with a 3-1 record.
Outside hitter Kate Eckels (Loveland, Ohio/Mt. Notre Dame) is second on the team with 45 kills on the young season. Also, right side player Baley Bernthisel (Grand Rapids, Ohio/Otsego) has been inserted into the offensive rotation. Susannah Jonas (Harrison, Ohio), Marci Zegarac (Lansing, Ill./South) and Megan Rohlfs (Loveland, Ohio/Mt. Notre Dame) round out the freshman class.
This roster won't have an easy way through the conference into the NCAA playoffs. The Eagles will meet several stern challenges, including perennial power and GLIAC rival Hillsdale. The Chargers took two of three matches against the Eagles a season ago and eliminated Ashland in the GLIAC semifinals. Hillsdale is currently ranked No. 24 in the AVCA Coaches' Poll.
The Eagles also have a date with current No. 8 Indianapolis in the home opener at Kates Gymnasium on Sept. 22.
Ashland is listed in the "Others Receiving Votes" category in the poll along with other GLIAC foes, Grand Valley State and Northern Michigan.
The Eagles will also spend significant portions of their schedule away from home. Their first nine matches are all on the road before a three-match stretch at Kates Gymnasium. Then, Ashland hits the road again for a five-match trip. AU spends the last week of October at home before playing its last three on the road.
"It's a weird year being away so much," said Surowicz. "I tell the kids that you win championships on the road, not at home. The NCAA championships and probably the GLIAC championships will be on the road.
"The kids have to know how to travel. I don't believe there's a difference in home and away games. I think coaches make it that way."
With that kind of schedule against that kind of competition, the Eagles have their work cut out for them. But Surowicz said that's no problem.
"This team works harder than most of my teams have," Surowicz said. "If they continue to do that it'll be a good year."
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