Cougars optimistic about upcoming season

Reprinted from Clinton Herald

The Clinton Community College volleyball team hopes to build on the momentum of a solid finish last season to carry the Cougars into 2008.

The Cougar’s volleyball season begins August 23 at the Black Hawk East tournament with the home opener at 7 p.m., August 26 versus Highland Community College at Yourd Gymnasium.

The Cougars return three veterans that started at least part time last season. Head coach Shovlain is looking for those girls to be team leaders.

Returning for the Cougars are 5-foot-11 middle hitter Tori Isenhour from Prince of Peace in Clinton, 5-7 outside hitter Jenni Bader from North Scott, right side hitter Kelsi Schawl from Central DeWitt. Isenhour and Bader had solid freshman seasons and led the team in several statistical categories.
Isenhour averaged 1.25 kills per game, she also led the team in blocks averaging more than 1 per game.

Bader recorded a team high 352 digs for an average of 3.48 per game.

“I look for Tori and Jenni to provide great leadership this year, they are returning captains, and with their leadership we can move up in our conference standings,” Shovlain said. “Another key for us will be Kelsi Schawl. We are going to rely on Kelsi on the right side to be productive hitting and play good defense. We are a little short handed this year and our sophomores are going to have to make it happen for us to be successful.”

Shovlain was active on the recruiting trail in the off-season, signing several talented players.

“Numbers wise we did not sign as many girls as we wanted, but we did bring in a quality group and I think I would take quality over quantity any time.” Shovlain said.

The Cougars signed five new players this year.

Ashley O’Neill is a 5-7 setter/outside hitter from Calamus-Wheatland. O’Neill was the 2007 Big East Conference MVP in volleyball. She was named to the third team All State and second team All District squads and earned first team All-Big East Conference her junior and senior years. Ashley was also recognized on the All-Big East All-Academic team.

Stephany Harris is a 5-8 outside hitter from North Scott where she was a three-year varsity letter winner. Harris earned second Team All-Mississippi Athletic Conference her senior year. She led her team in aces served for two years and total kills finishing second in the MAC for kills her senior year. She was twice named to the MAC All-Academic Team for volleyball and was awarded the 2006 and 2007 IGHSAU Excellence in Academic Achievement Award.

Hannah Seibel is a 5-10 middle/right side hitter from North Scott. Seibel was twice named to the MAC All-Academic Team for volleyball and was awarded the 2006 and 2007 IGHSAU Excellence in Academic Achievement Award. She has been a member of the North Scott Twisters volleyball club for 6 years and is an alternate on the USVBA High–Performance Volleyball club at middle and right side.

Ashley Wimpey is a 5-7 outside hitter from East Central. She was a three-year varsity starter and was given the IGHSAU Excellence in Academic Achievement Award all 4 of her high school years.

Amber Lorenzen is a 5-7 outside hitter from Northeast. Amber was a second team All-Big East selection and was the MVP of the Rebels volleyball team her junior and senior years.

“We have improved every year and I really feel this could be the year things come together,” Shovlain added. “We have some excellent hitters, it will depend on how well we pass and run our offense. We are in one of the toughest college leagues in the Midwest and volleyball fans will have an opportunity to see some quality volleyball if they come out to our games. I am really looking forward to the season.”

All of the Cougars home games will be played at Clinton High’s Yourd Gymnasium.