The Montreat Cavalier volleyball program begins the 2009 - 2010 season with many new faces. The team consists of eight new players, seven freshmen and a sophomore transfer are new to the program.
The team consists of four returning players, a senior, Lyndsey Wall, a junior Allison Baumgartner, and two sophomores, Natalie Nieman and Anna Stephenson and eight incoming players, a sophomore transfer from New York, Ellen Goodman and seven freshmen, Hannah Bostic (Tennesee), Bekah Corn (South Carolina), Chelsea Fleury (North Carolina) , Hilary Harrison (Virginia) , Liz Huitron (North Carolina), Ashleigh Ikerd (North Carolina), and Alyssa Kaufman (Wisconsin). "I am very excited about this group of girls. The team this year oozes competitiveness and a desire for a greater purpose. They are solid academically and spiritually they are striving to live in real community and grow together. It's an exciting season from all aspects, on the court and off the court. They desire to bring their best with the gifts God has given them."
THE RETURNEES
Lyndsey Wall, our lone senior, is the essence of perseverance. She brings all out effort to every drill, every practice, even in the smallest details. Lyndsey is an encourager; she talks well on the court, and has a heart to see the girls grow spiritually. Lyndsey was also named to the 2008 AAC All Academic Team and received the Servant Leadership Award.
Allie Baumgartner is our lone junior. Allie was named the 2008-09 Montreat College Female Athlete of the Year, the 2008-09 Montreat College Volleyball Women's MVP, and also earned the Servant Leadership Award while serving as co-captain. She was named Player of the Week in the AAC two times for the 2008 season and was also named the AAC Hitter of the Week. She was also selected to the AAC First Team All-Conference, AAC All Tournament Team, and earned AAC All-Academic Team. She was also selected to the American Volleyball Coaches Association NAIA All-Northeast Region Team and the AVCA NAIA Honorable Mention All-America. She led the AAC and was ranked #7 in NAIA Division I in kills with 532 (4.4 avg.), #2 AAC and #19 NAIA in blocks with 160 (1.310), #6 AAC in hitting percentage (0.259), and #3 in service aces with 47. She led the Cavaliers in kills, kills per game, kill percentage, service aces, passing percentage, block solos, and blocks per game. While attaining all of this she continues to be on the Dean's List, a Montreat Scholar Athlete.
For the 2008 season she also achieved the highest number of kills (532) at Montreat since the oldest recorded season in 2004. She also holds the highest kill percentage since 2004 with her 2007 season kill percentage of 35%.
Natalie Nieman is a sophomore, setter. Last season Natalie led the team in assists and was second in the AAC for assists. She was also named AAC Setter of the Week for three weeks in the 2008 season and was named to the Freshman All Conference Team. Natalie may be small in size but she packs a punch, often blocking opposing middles a good amount taller than her. Natalie also plays excellent defense and sees the court well.
Anna Stephenson is also a sophomore. Anna is a very versatile player that has the skills to play any position. Anna was named the 2008 Most Improved Player for Montreat College Volleyball. Anna is an amazingly strong girl and a team player. Watch for Anna this year as she will be a player to contend with both on offense and defense.
THE FRESHMEN
Seven talented freshmen have signed with the team this year and we also have one sophomore that is new to Montreat, but not to volleyball. Ellen Goodman, Alyssa Kaufman, and Hilary Harrison will help fill the left side position. "All of these girls are very talented and will bring excellent skill and intensity to the court." Hannah Bostic, Bekah Corn, and Ashleigh Ikerd all have potential to play right side or middle. Liz Huitron will help fill in the setter position. Chelsea Fleury will lead on defense as the libero this season.
