Scoreboard

Clarkson University Athletics

2024 CU Volleyball Season Preview

Gary Mikel

Women's Volleyball | 8/28/2024 9:53:00 AM

A streak of 11 straight trips to the Liberty League Championship game came to an end for the Clarkson University Volleyball team in 2023, but the Golden Knights are reloaded for another lengthy streak and are poised to begin that run in 2024.

Under the guidance of head coach Carol LaMarche and assistant Isabelle Crow, the Green and Gold begin the 2024 season in the Pacific Time Zone, playing in a tournament this weekend in Walla Walla, WA and hosted by Whitman College.

Clarkson graduated a large senior class which contributed in various ways, but each position has capable replacements. That begins at the setter position, where current assistant coach Isabelle Crow departed after four years as a starter and four-time conference all-star. However, graduate student Anna Mayer is back for a second season to run the offense. Clarkson dabbled with a 6-2 system with Crow and Mayer, and there may be some modification of that with a return to a 5-1. Mayer averaged 3.83 assists per set and 1.73 digs per set in her first season with the Knights. Junior Ashley Currier saw lots of time setting in the spring, but her versatility as a hitter and defender will probably see her in various roles. Sophomore transfer Lindsay Heimlich and senior Kayla Gault will also provide depth at the position.

Offensively, Clarkson will certainly miss Sara Galante, who played all around the court and averaged better than three kills per set. However, junior Marin Hangliter had a similar role and could fill those lost points. Sophomore Emily Alexander averaged 1.52 kills and 0.36 blocks per set in limited playing time in her first collegiate season, and a jump in numbers would not be unexpected. The coaching staff is also impressed by the early returns of first-year collegians Garnet Mullet and Grace Hanson, with both likely seeing plenty of playing time.

Clarkson has two solid middle hitters for a different look on offense as well. Senior Allyson Treichel is a two-time Liberty League All-Star who averaged 2.08 kills and 0.46 blocks per set a year ago, while junior Tess Sorel produced a .275 hitting percentage on 1.45 kills per set in 49 games played a year ago.

The position with the most depth for the Knights is at defensive specialist, so the back row should keep points alive regularly in 2024. Senior libero Abigail Spector was a conference all-star in 2023, averaging a league-best 4.88 digs per set. Additionally, junior Cecilia Velardi and sophomore Emma Cortez saw regular time, contributing 2.35 digs and 1.25 digs per set, respectively. Junior Haley Currier adds some depth to the position, and first-year collegian Olivia Baxter will also see time in the back row.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#11 Isabelle Crow: S; 5' 8"; Graduate Student

#9 Ashley Currier: S; 5' 9"; Sophomore

#18 Haley Currier: DS; 5' 7"; Sophomore

#13 Sara Galante: OH; 5' 10"; Senior

#6 Kayla Gault: S; 5' 6"; Junior

#7 Marin Hangliter: OH; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#19 Tess Sorel: MH; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#1 Abigail Spector: L/DS; 5' 4"; Junior

#10 Allyson Treichel: MH; 5' 9"; Junior

#2 Cecilia Velardi: DS/L; 5' 4"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#11 Isabelle Crow
: 5' 8"; Graduate Student
: S

#9 Ashley Currier
: 5' 9"; Sophomore
: S

#18 Haley Currier
: 5' 7"; Sophomore
: DS

#13 Sara Galante
: 5' 10"; Senior
: OH

#6 Kayla Gault
: 5' 6"; Junior
: S

#7 Marin Hangliter
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: OH

#19 Tess Sorel
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: MH

#1 Abigail Spector
: 5' 4"; Junior
: L/DS

#10 Allyson Treichel
: 5' 9"; Junior
: MH

#2 Cecilia Velardi
: 5' 4"; Sophomore
: DS/L