Volleyball looks for resurgence in 2015

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson volleyball team returns a veteran squad that looks to make a move toward the top of the Iowa Conference in 2015.

Simpson returns five starters and the libero from last year's team that went 13-20 and just missed qualifying for the conference tournament with a 2-5 mark in league play. Among the Storm's top returners are three-time all-conference outside hitter Tabitha Blaser.

Blaser brought home Honorable Mention all-Iowa Conference honors for the third straight fall after a career season in 2014. The 5-9 senior set career-highs with 387 kills and a .229 hitting percentage, leading the team in both categories. Despite her lack of height, Blaser ranked among the IIAC's top hitters and comes into the season with 1,025 career kills.

Blaser will get plenty of help offensively from fellow senior MacKenzie McGraw (227 kills), junior middle hitter Torey Buenger (163 kills, team-high 54 blocks) and sophomore outside Jacqueline Luth (201 kills). All-around threats Olivia Sulentic and Elisa Wildy will also play major roles in Simpson's rotation.

There will be a new face distributing to the offensive weapons with the departure of three-year starter Katie Kieffer. Senior Sara Hoppenworth had 83 assists a year ago and will likely see a magnified role in 2015.

Sophomore Kayla Aronow solidifies the back row after a solid rookie season that saw her lead the team in digs (511) and tie for second in aces (33).

THE COACH
Head coach Lana Smith enters her 17th season at the helm in 2015. The 2001 Iowa Conference Coach of the Year is 294-252 since taking over the program in 1999.

RETURNING STARTERS
L/DS Kayla Aronow, OH Tabitha Blaser, OH Jacqueline Luth, MH MacKenzie McGraw, OH Olivia Sulentic, OH Elisa Wildy

IIAC PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Buena Vista, 54 (6); 2. Coe, 48 (1); 3. Wartburg, 47 (1); 4. Central, 38; 5. Loras, 31; 6. Luther, 24; t7. Simpson, 19; t7. Dubuque, 19