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Volleyball Kicks Off 2004 Season
CHICAGO- The DePaul Blue Demon volleyball team kicked off its 2004 season with their first practice, Wednesday morning at the
DePaul’s young roster, including eight underclassmen, two juniors and three seniors, have grown-up on the court over the last couple of years and have been mentored and trained by head coach, Dawn Dockstader, who is in her eighth season at the helm of the program.
“We have gone through some growing pains over the past two years, rebuilding after our Conference USA Tournament championship in 2001,” Dockstader said. “The seniors, Amy Holmes, Janet Goreham and Amie West, have learned from both the ups and downs of the past three years. They have shown great character and resiliency and continue to lead by example.
“This team has worked incredibly hard during the off season and I expect it to pay off,” Dockstader added. “In addition to strength and still development we worked very hard on developing team chemistry. I am very pleased with how the team has come together in all aspects. I look forward to once again competing for the C-USA regular season title and Tournament Championship.”
The 2004 Schedule
DePaul will return home to take on Two other tournaments are on the 2004 slate including the Blue Demon Invitational. The tournament brings in-state rivals Western and
DePaul is poised to face off against future BIG EAST conference opponent
DePaul will host 2003 NCAA Tournament teams
By Position
“I am really expecting a lot out of Janet this year. She is one of the strongest and fittest athletes on the team and because of her blocking and transition skills I expect her to be our ‘go to player’. Janet is a tireless worker who pays attention to detail, and rises to any challenge,” Dockstader said. Goreham finished the 2003 season with a .297 hitting percentage and as the 10th-best hitter in C-USA. She also notched 112 total blocks.
Hayes will return to the middle position after spending her red shirt freshman year as the team’s libero. “This season Ellen will return to the front row where she belongs.” Dockstader said. She is the definition of a ‘team player’ and will provide leadership on and off the court,”
Gibson and Pando will also compete for time in the middle.
Outside Hitters
“Mandy is a multi-dimensional player who can hit from anywhere on the floor. She works the ball better than anyone that I have ever coached,” Dockstader said. “She has the ability to take over a match. We will need her to consistently put up big numbers.” Last season, Moorberg led the team in total kills, landing 393 balls on the wood and defensively averaged 2.58 digs per game.
Ingersoll and Pulaski will vie for Janet Cotter’s vacated starting position. Ingersoll saw limited time on the floor last year, will challenge for a starting role. “Morgan has an incredibly high reach which makes her very hard to defend,” Dockstader said. “I look for her to be a major contributor this season.
Pulaski, a junior, should have an impact on the offense as well this season. “In addition to her hitting,
Right Sides
“Our strength on the right side will be our versatility. We will have various attacking and blocking options,” Dockstader said.
Red shirt freshman Aly Zavitz will also compete for time on the right side.
Setters
“Amie is poised and ready to orchestrate our offense at a high level. Her strength is her ability to run the middle out of system. Amie had an incredible spring and I look for her to take her game to an even higher level,” Dockstader said.
“In addition to her setting skills, Mandi is a fierce competitor. She has excellent hands and her ability to read and play defense should allow her the opportunity to gain valuable court experience as a freshman.”
Defensive Specialist/Libero
For the first time the Blue Demons have a true “libero” on the roster in freshman Maureen Zigliuch. “We are excited to work with Maureen and look forward to getting her to a point where she touches the ball on every play,” Dockstader said.
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