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Seton Hall Volleyball Has Youth Movement as 2015 Season Nears

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The Pirates welcome seven newcomers fresh off arguably their most-successful season ever.



Aug. 26, 2015

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http://www.shupirates.com/sports/w-volley/spec-rel/082615aaa.html

Fresh off arguably the most successful season in program history, the 2015 version of the Seton Hall women’s volleyball team will have a significantly new look. Most notably is the departure of the Manthorpe twins who were the face of the team over the prior four years and who combined for seven All-Conference recognitions.

“It’s a big deal to lose Shelbey and Stacey,” said head coach Alison Yaeger. “In addition to being good in their roles and leaders, they were also both six rotation players. It’s hard to find players of their caliber that don’t need to leave the court.”

Indeed a major youth movement is going on in South Orange as seven incoming freshman have joined just six returning players to form the 2015 squad. The team however, isn’t without veteran leadership. A pair of All-Conference players return in senior Amanda Hansen (Pewaukee, Wis.) and 2014 BIG EAST Libero of the Year junior Tessa Fournier (Redondo Beach, Calif.).

Hansen, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, was named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team last season, and led the Pirates while ranking fourth in the BIG EAST in attack percentage. She also ranked fourth in the conference in total blocks and blocks per set.

“Amanda looks awesome,” Yaeger said. “She has done a lot of work over the summer and has added a lot of muscle. She is going to block a lot of shots, but she’ll also have a larger presence in the offense this year. I think Amanda is the best middle blocker in the BIG EAST, and if we have a good season, she could be in the conversation for Player of the Year.”

Fournier, and teammate Shelbey Manthorpe, became the first AVCA All-America Honorable Mentions in program history. She was a First Team All-BIG EAST pick and BIG EAST Libero of the Year. Fournier led the BIG EAST in digs and digs per game and set the Pirates’ single-season record with 700 digs.

“Tessa has really come out of her shell and has become the vocal leader this team needs,” Yaeger said. “She is always talking, cheering and imploring the team to be better. She does amazing things in the gym, and she’s becoming a smarter volleyball player too. There is a reason why she was the BIG EAST Libero of the Year last year and she’s only gotten better.”

The Pirates’ strength was their defense during a 28-win campaign in 2014, and The Hall is expected to see that continue this season. In addition to Fournier, the Pirates’ back line also returns senior Sara Connell (Dousman, Wis.) and sophomore Sarah Kenneweg (Poolesville, Md.).

“Connell has come a long way in short period of time,” Yaeger said. “With the seniors gone, she got a lot of work in last spring. She’s a leader and she will help us both defensively and as a setter. Kenny has had a tough start to the season dealing with an injury, but we know what she brings to our defense. Both will play large roles with our team this season.”

New to the Pirates’ back line in 2015 are a pair of freshman defensive specialists from Texas. Miranda Higginbotham (Dallas, Texas) and Amy Vandegriff (Saginaw, Texas) will bolster a Pirate strength. Higginbotham also has experience at libero.

“Both come from Texas, and Texas volleyball is outstanding,” Yaeger said. “Their ball control is excellent. If we didn’t have them, our practices wouldn’t be as good as they are. Allie (Matters) and I laugh because you can see the frustration our hitters have when Miranda and Amy are digging everything out.”

Danielle Schroeder (Chicago, Ill.) returns as the Pirates’ top offensive threat at outside hitter. The junior played in 86 sets over 29 matches in 2014 and was ranked fourth on the team with 2.33 kills per set and 200 total kills.

“I expect big things from Dani this year,” Yaeger said. “She has worked a lot on herself and is very comfortable on the court. I told Dani that this is her year… it’s her year to shine. She has all-conference ability and I look forward to seeing her step forward this year.”

Look for senior Kacey Richards (Macedon, N.Y.) to have an expanded role this year on the outside as well.

“Kacey will definitely get time this year,” Yaeger said. “She has blocked really well, and at times, shown that she can be a monster offensively. We just need her to be a little more consistent.”

Adding to Seton Hall’s offensive make-over is the addition of three hitters. Grace Forren (La Jolla, Calif.), Cherise Hennigan (Corona, Calif.) and Caitlin Koska (Franklin, Wis.) all factor to see floor time in 2015.

“All three are going to see time,” Yaeger said. “Grace is a six-rotation player, and I’d like to mold her into a Stacey Manthorpe-type outside hitter. She’s a very physical and strong player. Cherise is one of the most athletic kids I’ve coached. She looks good on both the outside and right side, and is the most vocal of our newcomers. Caitlin is a great jumper and a good blocker and can also play all six rotations.”

Another newcomer, Sophia Coffey (Sierra Madre, Calif.) could take over as the team’s starting setter. Although, Connell could also see time in the role.

“She has great hands and her defense is awesome,” Yaeger said. She’s a leader, which is necessary as a setter. That’s her personality. With Connell being a senior, I can see Sophia being our starting setter for a long time.”

The addition of Abby Thelen (Ft. Mitchell, Ky.) will soften the loss of Ashani Rubin to graduation. The 6-foot-1 middle blocker will tandem with Hansen to form a formidable defense up front.

“Abby is really athletic and is always ready to go,” Yaeger said. “She is an excellent blocker and is a really good hitter, which lends to her possibly moving to the right side down the road. She will do great this year.

“Our overall chemistry is the best it’s ever been,” Yaeger said. “The newcomers have a genuine respect for the upperclassmen and what they’ve accomplished, and our veterans are doing a great job mentoring. Everyone is working really hard and we’re so excited to finally get the season started.”
 
Our women's programs are far more exciting than our men's. There is an unabashed enthusiasm and verve. Perhaps it's the coaches- all are upbeat types who aren't afraid to show it.
 
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