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University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Athletics

OFFICIAL ATHLETICS SITE OF UW-STEVENS POINT
bench
Kylie Bridenhagen

Volleyball

Growth and Experience Key for UWSP Volleyball in 2017

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.
 
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Players Mentioned

Kelly Cefalu

#15 Kelly Cefalu

OH
5' 9"
Senior
Bri Piepenbrok

#2 Bri Piepenbrok

DS/L
5' 5"
Senior
Lisa Bedessem

#5 Lisa Bedessem

DS/L
5' 5"
Sophomore
Shannah Carter

#7 Shannah Carter

DS/L
5' 5"
Junior
Danielle Coleman

#21 Danielle Coleman

MB
5' 9"
Senior
Maddie Courter

#22 Maddie Courter

MB
6' 0"
Sophomore
Tara Emme

#8 Tara Emme

OH
5' 9"
Sophomore
April  Gehl

#2 April Gehl

OH/RS
5' 10"
Sophomore
Rachel Hein

#9 Rachel Hein

MB/RS
5' 10"
Sophomore
Kendra Kundinger

#10 Kendra Kundinger

DS/L
5' 5"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Kelly Cefalu

#15 Kelly Cefalu

5' 9"
Senior
OH
Bri Piepenbrok

#2 Bri Piepenbrok

5' 5"
Senior
DS/L
Lisa Bedessem

#5 Lisa Bedessem

5' 5"
Sophomore
DS/L
Shannah Carter

#7 Shannah Carter

5' 5"
Junior
DS/L
Danielle Coleman

#21 Danielle Coleman

5' 9"
Senior
MB
Maddie Courter

#22 Maddie Courter

6' 0"
Sophomore
MB
Tara Emme

#8 Tara Emme

5' 9"
Sophomore
OH
April  Gehl

#2 April Gehl

5' 10"
Sophomore
OH/RS
Rachel Hein

#9 Rachel Hein

5' 10"
Sophomore
MB/RS
Kendra Kundinger

#10 Kendra Kundinger

5' 5"
Senior
DS/L