Fresno State Athletics
Saturday, August 20
Fresno, Calif.
1:00 PM
Fresno State
vs
Alumnae Match
Bulldogs prep for season opener with Alumnae Game
8/19/2016 12:47:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
FRESNO, Calif - With the start of the 2016 Fresno State volleyball season exactly only one week away, the Bulldogs will have one final tuneup on Saturday as they host the Alumnae Game at the Save Mart Center at 1 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
With the 'Dogs season opener set for next Friday against LIU Brooklyn at the Boston College Invitational, the Red Wave are invited to come watch the Bulldogs in action before their official home opener on Sept. 2 against Portland State at the Bulldog Showdown.
The Bulldogs have gone through 10 days of preseason practice and head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell has been impressed with how the team has performed thus far, "This is a surprisingly mellow team. They do not get too high or too low. They are pretty mature and focused and learn fast. We have been pleased at our readiness so far. We have work to do defensively, but they are picking it all up fast."Â
Entering her ninth season at the helm of the Fresno State volleyball program, Netherby-Sewell is excited for the 'Dogs to get back to action at the Save Mart Center on Saturday, "We're excited to get back into our arena. It's such a great venue that the kids love playing in. It feels different and is very special. The alumnae game is really fun for me to get to see some of my favorite people who used to wear Bulldog red. It'll be a good test of nerves for the players as well to just get in front of people again."
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An event she looks forward to every year, Netherby-Sewell enjoys seeing former players at the Alumnae Game and seeing where they are at now in life, "We go through so much with our players when they're here. They grow so much as people in their time on campus. So it's really fun to catch up and see what they're accomplishing now."
With a number of former players on campus this weekend, the current Bulldogs are rounding into form and working hard to accomplish their goals this season. We caught up with Netherby-Sewell to get her thoughts on each position group entering 2016.
Libero/Defensive Specialist
With returning All-MW performer Maggie Eppright heading this group, Netherby-Sewell knows it is in great hands with the leadership of this experienced senior, "Maggie is a determined player, she is ready to win. She's coming into her own and she's comfortable with the way that she's playing. She's confident and I use her as an example in the gym of what to do. She has demonstrated a lot because she's so fundamentally sound in so many ways."
Eppright was one of two 'Dogs to play in all 119 sets and set a new Bulldog single-season record with 573 digs to lead the MW. Along with Eppright, junior Jacqueline Hutcheson returns to provide great competition for the spot and added depth.Â
"Maggie and Jackie are neck-and-neck in the battle for the starting libero position. Maggie seems really steady and confident this year and Jackie improved her reception ability which she knew we needed this season. They will both be key to our success this season." Finally, freshman Courtney Johnson will join the 'Dogs this season from Bellevue, Wash. "She will need time to learn our system and play up, but she's mature and has the desire it takes to be good. It will help having another defensive specialist in the gym especially a high-character kid like Courtney."Â
Middle BlockersÂ
A position group of good depth, the 'Dogs will have three middle blockers this season led by junior Lauren Torres followed by sophomore Gertu Vider along with newcomer redshirt sophomore Haile Watson.Â
"Each middle certainly brings something unique to the table," said Netherby-Sewell. "Lauren Torres has really matured and is playing at a far higher level this camp. When you mix that with her talent, she should have a breakout season. Gertu is steady and reliable and is a heck of a server and stayed on that back line a lot last season."
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Joining the pair will be Eastern Washington transfer Hailey Watson who played in seven matches for the Eagles last season, "Hailey Watson is going to add something special to our team. She's super athletic and physical. A great kid who is a quiet competitor. She understands blocking pretty well and hits the ball with ease. I like our mix of talents in this position."
Outside HittersÂ
The deepest position group on the team, the Bulldogs are loaded with six outside hitters and will come at opponents with size and strength. "Our pins are really big and heavy hitters, said Netherby-Sewell on the group.
"They're taking to the faster offense really well. It seems that everywhere you turn there is size and power in this group as well as a lot of depth which we haven't had before. All of our pins are blocking well which will be a vast improvement on last season."
After spending part of her summer with the Mountain West All-Star Team in Europe, senior Aleisha Coates will lead the group after playing in 118 sets in 2015 and finishing with 318 kills along 238 digs. Â Adding to the depth will be junior Carly Scarbrough, who played in all 119 sets in 2015 leading the club with 339 kills and ranking second in blocks with 79.
"Carly and Aleisha are older and wiser," said Netherby-Sewell on the experienced duo. "They seem confident and are hitting with speed. We'll look for them to be steady for us and better out-of-system."
After debuting as freshman a year ago, sophomores Taylor Slover and Brielle Hefner will look to continue their steady improvement heading into their second year with the Bulldogs, "Brielle and Taylor are new to our pins and both very good. They have tons of range and physicality and Bri has improved her all-around game so we're looking to her to be a 6-rotation outside hitter this season," said Netherby-Sewell.
Rounding out the outside hitters will be newcomers sophomore Aubrey Folk annd freshman Montez Uigaesse. Folk arrives at Fresno State after spending her freshman season at Tulane where she started all but one game on the season and ranked third on the Green Wave in kills (210), attacks (628) and blocks (87). "Aubrey is really big and a pretty steady blocker. She's got some experience from Tulane under her belt and will challenge our returning pins for a spot," said Netherby-Sewell on Folk. The 'Dogs hope to redshirt Long Beach native Uigaese this fall, "Montez will be a star one day. We're hoping to redshirt her this year and save that potential."
Setters
The final position group we will look at are the 'Dogs setters. Returning for her fourth season as a Bulldog will be senior Brooke Legaux who led the team with 848 assists and ranked sixth in assists per set in the MW at 7.50. "Brooke has been in the starting rotation for three years," said Netherby-Sewell on one of the 'Dogs two four-year players. "She comes back better each season and is strong and experienced." Adding to the competition this season will be redshirt freshman Madelyn Harteman who the 'Dogs are excited about adding to the fold this season, "Maddy is a force and a fierce competitor. She's talented, but also has a lot of growing to do. It'll be a battle for our starting quarterback this season and we like that."
The Bulldogs get their regular season started on Aug. 26 against LIU Brooklyn followed by Boston College the following day as part of the Boston College Invitational. The 'Dogs will then take on Hartford and New Hampshire to complete their four-day, four-game road trip.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
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With the 'Dogs season opener set for next Friday against LIU Brooklyn at the Boston College Invitational, the Red Wave are invited to come watch the Bulldogs in action before their official home opener on Sept. 2 against Portland State at the Bulldog Showdown.
The Bulldogs have gone through 10 days of preseason practice and head coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell has been impressed with how the team has performed thus far, "This is a surprisingly mellow team. They do not get too high or too low. They are pretty mature and focused and learn fast. We have been pleased at our readiness so far. We have work to do defensively, but they are picking it all up fast."Â
Entering her ninth season at the helm of the Fresno State volleyball program, Netherby-Sewell is excited for the 'Dogs to get back to action at the Save Mart Center on Saturday, "We're excited to get back into our arena. It's such a great venue that the kids love playing in. It feels different and is very special. The alumnae game is really fun for me to get to see some of my favorite people who used to wear Bulldog red. It'll be a good test of nerves for the players as well to just get in front of people again."
Â
An event she looks forward to every year, Netherby-Sewell enjoys seeing former players at the Alumnae Game and seeing where they are at now in life, "We go through so much with our players when they're here. They grow so much as people in their time on campus. So it's really fun to catch up and see what they're accomplishing now."
With a number of former players on campus this weekend, the current Bulldogs are rounding into form and working hard to accomplish their goals this season. We caught up with Netherby-Sewell to get her thoughts on each position group entering 2016.
Libero/Defensive Specialist
With returning All-MW performer Maggie Eppright heading this group, Netherby-Sewell knows it is in great hands with the leadership of this experienced senior, "Maggie is a determined player, she is ready to win. She's coming into her own and she's comfortable with the way that she's playing. She's confident and I use her as an example in the gym of what to do. She has demonstrated a lot because she's so fundamentally sound in so many ways."
Eppright was one of two 'Dogs to play in all 119 sets and set a new Bulldog single-season record with 573 digs to lead the MW. Along with Eppright, junior Jacqueline Hutcheson returns to provide great competition for the spot and added depth.Â
"Maggie and Jackie are neck-and-neck in the battle for the starting libero position. Maggie seems really steady and confident this year and Jackie improved her reception ability which she knew we needed this season. They will both be key to our success this season." Finally, freshman Courtney Johnson will join the 'Dogs this season from Bellevue, Wash. "She will need time to learn our system and play up, but she's mature and has the desire it takes to be good. It will help having another defensive specialist in the gym especially a high-character kid like Courtney."Â
Middle BlockersÂ
A position group of good depth, the 'Dogs will have three middle blockers this season led by junior Lauren Torres followed by sophomore Gertu Vider along with newcomer redshirt sophomore Haile Watson.Â
"Each middle certainly brings something unique to the table," said Netherby-Sewell. "Lauren Torres has really matured and is playing at a far higher level this camp. When you mix that with her talent, she should have a breakout season. Gertu is steady and reliable and is a heck of a server and stayed on that back line a lot last season."
Â
Joining the pair will be Eastern Washington transfer Hailey Watson who played in seven matches for the Eagles last season, "Hailey Watson is going to add something special to our team. She's super athletic and physical. A great kid who is a quiet competitor. She understands blocking pretty well and hits the ball with ease. I like our mix of talents in this position."
Outside HittersÂ
The deepest position group on the team, the Bulldogs are loaded with six outside hitters and will come at opponents with size and strength. "Our pins are really big and heavy hitters, said Netherby-Sewell on the group.
"They're taking to the faster offense really well. It seems that everywhere you turn there is size and power in this group as well as a lot of depth which we haven't had before. All of our pins are blocking well which will be a vast improvement on last season."
After spending part of her summer with the Mountain West All-Star Team in Europe, senior Aleisha Coates will lead the group after playing in 118 sets in 2015 and finishing with 318 kills along 238 digs. Â Adding to the depth will be junior Carly Scarbrough, who played in all 119 sets in 2015 leading the club with 339 kills and ranking second in blocks with 79.
"Carly and Aleisha are older and wiser," said Netherby-Sewell on the experienced duo. "They seem confident and are hitting with speed. We'll look for them to be steady for us and better out-of-system."
After debuting as freshman a year ago, sophomores Taylor Slover and Brielle Hefner will look to continue their steady improvement heading into their second year with the Bulldogs, "Brielle and Taylor are new to our pins and both very good. They have tons of range and physicality and Bri has improved her all-around game so we're looking to her to be a 6-rotation outside hitter this season," said Netherby-Sewell.
Rounding out the outside hitters will be newcomers sophomore Aubrey Folk annd freshman Montez Uigaesse. Folk arrives at Fresno State after spending her freshman season at Tulane where she started all but one game on the season and ranked third on the Green Wave in kills (210), attacks (628) and blocks (87). "Aubrey is really big and a pretty steady blocker. She's got some experience from Tulane under her belt and will challenge our returning pins for a spot," said Netherby-Sewell on Folk. The 'Dogs hope to redshirt Long Beach native Uigaese this fall, "Montez will be a star one day. We're hoping to redshirt her this year and save that potential."
Setters
The final position group we will look at are the 'Dogs setters. Returning for her fourth season as a Bulldog will be senior Brooke Legaux who led the team with 848 assists and ranked sixth in assists per set in the MW at 7.50. "Brooke has been in the starting rotation for three years," said Netherby-Sewell on one of the 'Dogs two four-year players. "She comes back better each season and is strong and experienced." Adding to the competition this season will be redshirt freshman Madelyn Harteman who the 'Dogs are excited about adding to the fold this season, "Maddy is a force and a fierce competitor. She's talented, but also has a lot of growing to do. It'll be a battle for our starting quarterback this season and we like that."
The Bulldogs get their regular season started on Aug. 26 against LIU Brooklyn followed by Boston College the following day as part of the Boston College Invitational. The 'Dogs will then take on Hartford and New Hampshire to complete their four-day, four-game road trip.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
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Players Mentioned
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