With Coach Suzannah Toresdahl back for her second year as head coach, the Blackburn College Women’s Volleyball Team returns to the court to improve off of a disappointing 2013 campaign that managed only one win in 28 matches. This year’s group returns four players including junior Outside Hitter Allie Matt (Viola, Ill.), who suffered a torn ACL during a match against Westminster College midway through the season.
“We are glad to have Allie back in the lineup. She is very much the heart of our team,” Coach Toresdahl explained. In her short season, Matt posted 74 digs and 62 kills in only 12 matches. She was also named to the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. Joining her is fellow junior Setter Patrece McLain (Rantoul, Ill.). McLain, who notched 242 assists, was named to the SLIAC All-Sportsmanship team in 2013. Rounding up the returners for the Beavers are senior Defensive Specialist Briana Stark (Providence, R.I.) and sophomore Outside Hitter/Setter Meghan Ude (Bunker Hill, Ill.).
New to the squad this year will be junior Middle Blocker Victoria Bowens (Dallas, Tex./Jefferson Community College). At Jefferson Community College, Bowens had 226 digs, 30 blocks, and 158 kills in her time there.
“Victoria will bring some much needed power to the Outside position for us. She will spearhead our offense this season,” Toresdahl added. Sophomore Defensive Specialist Marlee Lindstrom (Maquoketa, Iowa) joins the team after playing at Indian Hills Community College the previous season where she amassed 305 digs and 26 aces. “Marlee brings experience and expertise to our serve receive and defense. She is a great addition to our squad,” said Toresdahl.
Finishing up the new recruiting class will be the freshman trio of Middle Blocker Kirsten Buzzard (Beecher City, Ill.), Defensive Specialist Alexis Dick (De Land, Ill.), and Outside Hitter Delanie Casto (Pittsfield, Ill.).
The Beavers opened up their season at Colorado College on August 29th against Oswego State where they were defeated 3-0. On Saturday September 13th, Blackburn will hose SLIAC rivals Iowa Wesleyan and Eureka College for the home opener at 10:00 am.