WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- The women's volleyball team at Whitman College enjoyed its most successful season in years last fall, compiling a 15-11 record overall and finishing in a tie for the fourth and final playoff berth in the 10-team Northwest Conference. Only a tie-breaker formula kept the Missionaries from advancing into post-season play.
Head coach Dean Snider, who begins his third season this fall, is hopeful his squad can continue its climb up the conference ladder.
"I am very pleased with the progress we've made the past two years," Snider said. "Tying for fourth last year was a great accomplishment for our program. Because there are no easy wins in our conference, it will be difficult to do as well again this year."
That hasn't stopped the Missionaries from setting their sights just a little higher this season. Making the playoffs would be nice. Advancing to the conference championship match would be better.
"That is a very difficult yet attainable goal," Snider said. "The team to beat will likely be George Fox University, which finished second last year and returns all of its primary players. They will be very tough as they continue to refine their quick transition offense."
He also expects Willamette and Linfield to field strong clubs. "The parity in our conference is so great that any team can beat any other team on any given day. We will have to perform well on a consistent basis if we hope to have any chance of reaching our goal."
The key to Whitman's winning record last year was its performance in five-game matches. The Missionaries were 7-2 in five-game decisions, a complete turn-around from its 2-7 record the previous season in matches that went the distance.
"That just shows the progression in our improvement," Snider said. "First you need to learn to compete, to get yourself in the game. Then, the next step is to seize the opportunities that present themselves to give your team the best chance to win."
One possible catalyst behind last season's success was "our commitment to enjoy the process of playing," Snider said. "Most players are drawn to the game because it is fun. My intention is to rekindle the fun factor, to bring alive the excitement and enjoyment that pushes players to play hard and improve."
Whitman's early challenge is to replace two departed players, Wendy Wilford and Ashleigh Cross. "Both Wendy and Ashleigh were clutch-type players," Snider said. "When the game got tight, they found a way to win. We will look to other players to step up this season in those big games."
One returning player who made huge contributions last season was Mandy Rockwell, a 5-foot-6 outside hitter who earned first-team all-conference honors while leading the league in both digs per game (5.23) and kills per game (3.8). Her digs per game average also topped the nation for NAIA schools.
Rockwell, a senior, twice surpassed 30 kills in matches last season. She nailed 34 kills and collected 23 digs in one five-game victory, and had 31 kills and 28 digs in a four-game triumph. "Mandy is our captain and the heart and soul of our team," Snider said.
He also expects Barby Ream, a 6-foot middle blocker, to post another strong season. Last year as a sophomore, Ream earned honorable mention all-conference recognition while finishing among the conference leaders in blocks.
"Barby is a dynamic player with excellent blocking and defensive skills," Snider said. "She also demands a lot of attention as an offensive player. She has the ability to put the ball away, which helps create openings for our outside hitters. Barby is critical to our success."
Heather Cushing, a 5-foot-6 setter, made an immediate impact last season as a freshman. She was the only player in the conference to collect more than 1,000 assists. She finished with 1,074, or 10.4 assists per game.
"Heather set well for us last year and provided offensive leadership," Snider said. "She is gaining confidence in directing our offense."
Snider expects a similar impact from one of this year's freshmen, 6-foot-1 Allison Roth. "Allison will help stabilize our middle," he said. "She will likely play all around. She is a terrific passer and defensive player, a solid blocker and attacker."
The addition of Roth to the line-up should allow Snider to move 5-foot-11 sophomore Kelly Williams to outside hitter, her more natural position. "Kelly played middle for us last season and did a wonderful job," he said. "She will likely turn some heads playing on the outside. She has loads of power and can hit the line well."
Paula Cleveland, a 5-foot-8 senior, will play a major role in the back court. "Paula is an outstanding passer and a solid defensive player," Snider said. "As a senior, she also provides leadership and maturity."
Jeni Brown, a 5-foot-9 sophomore, is ticketed for an all-around role during her sophomore season. "Jeni is a very versatile utility player, someone who can play outside, right side and as a defensive specialist," Snider said. "She gave us a much needed spark on several occasions last year. She plays with an intensity and enthusiasm that is contagious. I look for Jeni to continue improving as a player and court leader. She will help define our team's character."
Whitman opens its season Sept. 4-5 in southern California in an invitational tournament hosted by Whittier College. The Missionaries begin conference play at home Sept. 11-12 against George Fox and Pacific University.