WISE-- Coach Kristen Salyer and the UVa-Wise volleyball team will begin its second season in the Mountain East Conference this fall. While it being the second season of MEC play, the Cavaliers will be in what the school hopes to be the final year of a three-year transition process to NCAA Division II. During the transitional process, no UVa-Wise athletic team will be eligible to participate in postseason competition beyond the MEC Conference Tournament. A year ago, UVa-Wise posted a 7-22 record and a 2-14 record in the league in its inaugural MEC campaign. Despite the record, there is reason for optimism in 2014. The Cavs return 10 players off of last season's squad and have added a pair of transfers from Virginia Intermont College in senior setter Ashley Hooven and junior outside hitter Maicee Allen. In addition to Hooven, libero Brittni Altmann and setter Veronica Sanchez are back for their final season at UVa-Wise. Altmann led the team with 330 digs and Sanchez will enter her senior season with 2,014 assists, the second most in the history of the program.
"One of the biggest positives for this year's team is that we are returning most of our roster and starters from last season", said Salyer. "We are a more mature team as we have two seniors returning in the key positions of setter (Sanchez) and libero (Altmann) and a solid group of experienced underclassmen. "
A trio of rising sophomores will look to continue on their success 2013. Last season, outside hitter Karley Allen finished with a team-high 386 kills. Meanwhile, Santana Bishop will hope her hard work over the off-season will pay off. As a freshman, Bishop produced 177 kills, second on the team to Allen. Lindsey Tucker returns after leading the team in solo blocks with 12. The Midlothian, Va. native also tallied 145 kills as a freshman. UVa-Wise will open the season at home on Sept. 4 when Union College visits the Prior Center. MEC play will begin on Sept. 19 when the team plays its first of three consecutive road league matches at Shepherd University.
"The addition of several athletic newcomers should provide us additional depth. With the hard work the returners put in the off-season and the experience of the inaugural MEC season we feel prepared and expect to see positive results", said Salyer. "I'm excited for the upcoming season and getting this team on the court for MEC competition."
Fans can watch tomorrow's season opener live by clicking here.
