TicketsAug. 22, 2007
This is part two of a three-part series previewing the Bearcats' volleyball team. In part two, you will meet the Bearcats' setters and defensive specialists.
Setters
For the first time in recent memory, the Bearcats will start the season without a setter with collegiate experience on the roster. The team is expecting to turn to a young player with good volleyball lineage to fill the void.
Gone from last season is three-year starter Noel Olson, who closed her career ranked second in school history in assists. Olson closed her career on a high note in 2006 as a second team all-BIG EAST performer.
The top candidate for the starting job could be the next great setter in program history on the heels of Olson and Bearcat great Laura Lauder. Annie Fesl is a talented player from the talent rich Chicago-area who enjoyed a fine prep career. She was a two-time all-state performer and earned conference player of the year accolades as a senior. Fesl is also familiar with the BIG EAST as her older sister, Megan plays for Notre Dame.
Following the family theme at the setter slot is another freshman, Kimi Nakamura, whose brother Haruki is a star on the UC Football team. Kimi will challenge Fesl for time, while also providing depth on defense.
The Bearcats can also turn to senior Jenny Custer, the expected starter on the right-side who saw time as a setter during her freshman year.
Libero/Defensive Specialist
Backline defense should be a team strength for the Bearcats this year as two strong returnees are joined in the mix by a talented newcomer.
Last year, junior Natalie Dossman started the season as the Bearcats' libero until an injury in the third match of the year ended her season. Now fully recovered, UC's team captain will bring her stout defense and leadership skills back to the court this year.
With Dossman out, Jaime Frey enjoyed an outstanding freshman campaign, leading the BIG EAST with 5.62 digs per game. The battle between the two for the libero job will be fierce, but both players can expect ample playing time.
To bolster the defense even further, the Bearcats added local product Julie Guenther to the fold. Guenther is another good defensive player who earned a pair of all-conference awards as a prep. Look for fellow frosh Kimi Nakamura to also battle for time as a defensive specialist.