After finishing the 2016 season ranked 25th in the AVCA final poll and somewhat surprisingly being passed over in the NCAA Tournament selection, head coach
Abbey Sutherland looks to get her squad back to the success it saw in her first few seasons. With the graduation of highly decorated Pointers
Bri Piepenbrok (Merrill, WI/Merrill) and
Kelly Cefalu (Waunakee, WI/Waunakee), Sutherland will rely on the experience of returning players for success this season.
Replacing the reigning WIAC Defensive Player of the Year sounds like a daunting task, but Sutherland says she is confident that she has the pieces to be successful. "We have four experienced defensive specialists that are all going to compete to play this year," said Sutherland.
Senior
Kendra Kundinger (Auburndale, Wis./Auburndale) is the most experienced of the group vying for the libero position. She played in 29 matches last year and was second in the league in service aces per set. Junior
Shannah Carter (Prior Lake, Minn./Prior Lake) and sophomores
Lisa Bedessem (Burlington, Wis./Sauk Prairie) and
Ali Zamzow (Merrill, Wis./Merrill) will push for time on the court. All three have experience with the Pointers that will contribute to a smooth transition at the position.
Another senior
Kelly Magliano (Chicago, Ill./Mount Assisi Academy) returns to the middle and will step into a vital leadership role in 2017. She was tops on the team in blocks last season, ranking sixth in the WIAC in blocks per set. Sophomore
Maddie Courter (Geneva, Ill./Geneva) joins Magliano in the middle, returning to the team after missing last year due to injury. The two will also mentor freshmen
Karinne Houser (Esko, Minn./Homeschooled) and
Isabelle Palczynski (Naperville, Ill./Metea Valley).
"It's really great to see Mags (Magliano) and Maddie mentoring our freshmen who are learning and growing so much every day," continued Sutherland.
Sophomore
Abby Majercik (Johnsburg, Ill./Johnsburg) surpassed the 1,000-assist plateau in her first year at UWSP. She finished fourth in the league with 1,012 assists. Senior
Delaney McCreary (West Bend, Wis./East) had spells of success last year and provides leadership as a fourth-year player. The experience of Majercik and McCreary will be key for freshman
Ellie Adams (Racine, Wis./William Horlick) in her first season with the team.
"As a setter, that is huge to have that experience and it helps in practice so much," stated Sutherland. "Between Abby and Delaney, practice runs smoothly and they can help mentor our freshman at the position."
At the outside hitter position, sophomore
April Gehl (Hilbert, Wis./Hilbert) will continue to build upon her solid freshman campaign. She finished fourth on the team in kills and has the most from last season among returners. Senior
Morgan Wirkus (Marathon, Wis./Marathon) is a powerful hitter that will compete for time. Freshman
Kellan Schmidt (Edgerton, Wis./Edgerton) is a two-sport athlete that will join the mix on the outside.
"One of our main focuses for outside is to understand how to get other teams in trouble, how to get kills, but be consistent," said Sutherland.
Senior
Danielle Coleman (Rockford, Ill./Keith Country Day) is back healthy as a right side. Sophomore
Jamie Schmitz (Cashton, Wis./Cashton) is also taking rep on the right side. Fellow sophomores
Tara Emme (St. Nazianz, Wis./Valders),
Rachel Hein (Muskego, Wis./Muskego) and
Carly Nisleit (Woodbury, Minn./East Ridge) provide depth and versatility up front.
"There are so many people on our team that are going to grow this year," continued Sutherland. "There is an energy on this team and everyone believes we are going to get better and make progress. That is one of the most exciting things for me."
Assistant coach
Amy Jo Opsal is a welcome addition to the team. She is full of energy and ideas that are helping this team grow.
The Pointers travel to St. Paul, Minn., to compete in the Kathryne Pals Legacy Invitational hosted by the University of Northwestern to open the season on Sept. 1 and 2.