The Idaho volleyball team is coming off of a successful 2013 season where it won 19 matches — the most by the Vandals since 1996.
In 2014, Idaho coach Debbie Buchanan expects better results as the Vandals try to forget the bitter taste of the heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to New Mexico State in the WAC Championship last fall.
Idaho is predicted to finish third in the Big Sky Conference in the preseason poll by the conference coaches. All Idaho sports teams, aside from its football squad and swimming and diving team, made the transfer back to the Big Sky after an 18 year absence.
“We’re always going to play a really competitive preseason, which we have this year,” Buchanan said. “I think obviously with the Big Sky we’re going to be playing a new set of teams where you’re not as familiar with them. We’re trying to do a lot of research on what those teams are doing, the style of play they play and their players that are coming back that are supposed to be their go-to players.”
Buchanan noted that moving back to the Big Sky will benefit Idaho fans and players as its opponents are closer in proximity than in the WAC.
“The one thing that’s going to be great though is that we’re closer to home,” Buchanan said. “I mean, last year in the WAC we had nine teams in nine states. I think the fans will be able to associate with the teams in the West a little bit better than when we were going to New Mexico State or Chicago State. I think that from that standpoint, there’s going to be some good rivals that are going to form.”
The Vandals welcome six incoming freshmen to the team, and Buchanan said she plans to redshirt at least three of them. Backup setter Sami Parris and outside hitter Becca Mau are among the two freshmen expected to see some playing time.
“Becca Mau came in and played really high club volleyball,” Buchanan said. “She has the experience and can do some things. Sami Parris, the backup setter, is doing a really good job at running that other side, and if she had to jump into a match, I think she could.”
Senior middle blocker Alyssa Schultz said it’s exciting to have new freshmen on the team to motivate the seniors.
“They bring in more depth to our team,” Schultz said. “They bring enthusiasm, they’re excited to play and it kind of gives us a fresh start almost having so many of them. They’re pushing us to show our experience and pushing us to be the leaders we’re expected to be.”
Idaho has two senior middle blockers in Alyssa Schultz and Stephanie Hagins that Buchanan said could be the difference if the team has strong passing.
“I think passing is always going to be the difference,” Buchanan said. “We’ve got two senior middles that are pretty dynamic. I think that if we can get them the ball, push it up there, it’s going to open a lot of things up for the style of play that we want to play. I think for this year anyway, we really want to be able to pass the ball. If we can pass, we’re going to be able to do some things at a very high level.”
Schultz is excited for the upcoming season and expects to finish strong in the Big Sky.
“We have a ton of experience on the court but it’s nice to having all these girls come in and add depth,” Schultz said. “The freshmen definitely have a chance to compete with us. We do have a lot of experience on the court so I expect this year to be very competitive in the Big Sky.”
Idaho will begin regular season action on Aug. 29 against Oklahoma in Gainesville, Fla., for the Active Ankle Challenge.
Conor Gleason can be reached at [email protected]