Bucknell University Athletics
Volleyball Opens Preseason Practice
8/11/2016 9:01:00 PM | Volleyball
LEWISBURG, Pa. – With two new assistant coaches, the addition of five freshmen, and the return of one of its star players after a season-ending injury last year, the Bucknell volleyball team is looking to gel and put all of the pieces together as it begins preseason practice this week in Davis Gym.
“We haven't missed a beat,” said fourth-year head coach Anna Allison. “I'm excited about our new staff. Kevin and Michael are going to add tremendously to the program. Our returners are doing a really good job of keeping consistent with the culture of hard work established by the team. Everyone new that comes in adds to that, and they are just excited to be in the gym.”
The Bison are coming off their most successful season in nearly a decade, posting a 14-12 record and missing the Patriot League Tournament by just one spot in the conference standings. The 14 wins were the program's most in nine years, and included in that win total was the team's first victory over Army West Point in nine years and its first win over Navy in five seasons.
The team lost Karen Campbell, the program's first All-Patriot League selection since 2010, to graduation, but is excited about the returning group of players and the incoming freshmen. Additionally, the team should receive a boost from senior Kristen Parks, who returns after missing her entire junior season with an injury. She was one of the best defensive players in the league her sophomore year, which included a school record 44 digs in a four-set win over Holy Cross.
“It's an amazing feeling to be back in Davis Gym for practice,” said fourth-year head coach Anna Allison. “We have a great group of women that have already hit the ground running and are working hard.
The Bison open the season at home with three matches at the Bucknell Tournament. They will host Fairleigh Dickinson, Canisius and East Carolina for matches on Aug. 26-27.
