The 2013 Women's Volleyball Team returns to the court after a heavy recruiting season, and will sport a 13-person roster this year.
After making the NEAC Tournament last year despite a roster often numbering in the single digits due to injuries, the Wildcats will start 2013 with a healthy bench.
"I'm excited because we'll have a lot more depth this year," says 3rd-year Head Coach Jake Bluhm, "not only did we bring in some new players that are going to help our program now and in the long-term, but with our added depth we have a lot more options with what we can do in both matches and practice."
The Wildcats finished with a 7-4 record in conference last year, but just 12-22 overall after back-to-back 20-win seasons before that. The team will rely on veteran leaders like Kaitlyn Harrington, Taviot Jackowski, Jessica Sass, and Hanne Saarinen to help turn things around.
SUNYIT goes from having zero seniors a year ago to trotting out 4 this year, all of which have played starter's minutes over the last three seasons.
"Having that leadership, especially with all the younger players we brought in this year, will be crucial," says Bluhm, "especially within the conference – we'll have a lot of experience there."
Harrington returns after being selected to her third straight NEAC All-Conference Team in 2012. Harrington put up a team-leading 350 kills last year to go along with 340 digs, and earned a 2nd-Team All-Conference nod for her efforts.
Saarinen joined Harrington at the outside hitter position, adding 311 kills in 2012. Rounding out the senior class are Jackowski and Sass, each of which have added incentive to put together a successful 2013. Both completed their undergraduate degrees last year, but elected to attend graduate school at SUNYIT, allowing them to take advantage of remaining athletic eligibility.
"It's nice when you have a couple players who could do other things, but choose to come back and play," says Bluhm of the pair, "it says a lot about your program, and I think both of them are hungry for a great year after struggling with some injuries last season."
As has become a staple of Coach Bluhm's philosophy, the Wildcats will continue to stress ball-control this year. The new additions should help.
"It will be nice having a couple different setters this year," according to Bluhm, "and hopefully we can speed up our offense just a little bit this year."
The Wildcats will kick of the 2013 campaign on Friday, August 30th, with a tournament at SUNY Canton. SUNYIT will play the tournament hosts at 2:00 pm.
Click here to view the women's volleyball roster for 2013
Click here to view the team's 2013 schedule
