Led by a senior core that has posted 91 wins the last three seasons, the Rockhurst Volleyball team, ranked 14th in the country, is ready to roll in 2019.
Outside hitters
Karli Reichert and
Alyssa Woodman combined for over 1,000 kills last year, while fellow seniors
Mary Rolf (middle hitter) and
Emma Kriete (right side) were also key contributors, each starting 31 matches for the 2018 GLVC Tournament Champions.
Preparing for a difficult schedule that features several nationally-ranked opponents, Coach
Tracy Rietzke spoke of the leadership his veterans have displayed.
"They are ready to play," Rietzke said. "They're excited about playing good competition and I look for them to have a really good year."
Junior
Dani Prusha returns for the Hawks at setter after racking up 1,403 assists in 2018.
Gabbie Inman collected 245 assists in her freshman campaign last season and provides some nice depth at the setter position.
Replacing All-American libero
Kalie Arnold's production will be a tall task, but Coach Rietzke likes what he has seen out of freshman
Jadyn Makovicka in the Hawks' preseason scrimmages.
"[Makovicka] had 17 digs against Emporia in one set, so obviously that's big time," Rietzke said of the freshman libero. "She's quick and I'll think she'll do a good job."
Six of Rockhurst's opponents are ranked in the AVCA Coaches top 25 preseason poll, including four in the top 11.
The Hawks open the 2019 season this weekend, traveling to Tarleton State for the Texan Invitational, where they are matched up against three ranked teams. The Hawks hit the road each of the following two weekends for two more non-conference tournaments -- the Rosella Meyer Classic in Kearney, Nebraska (Sep. 13-14) and then the Harding Classic in Searcy, Arkansas (Sep. 20-21).
"Hopefully we'll be seasoned from being on the road. I think with our upperclassmen, they will do a good job leading," Rietzke concluded.
View the Hawks' complete schedule here:
https://rockhursthawks.com/schedule.aspx?path=wvball
View the AVCA Coaches Poll here:
https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/volleyball-women/d2/avca-coaches
