The Northwood University Timberwolves dominated the GLIAC volleyball scene last season. They won the conference with a 17-1 record, won the GLIAC tournament, and finished with an overall mark of 26-7 after falling in the regional quarterfinals.
“We have a big group of returners who went through our championship run last year,” 10th-year head coach Tim Koth (last year’s GLIAC and AVCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year) said. “They understand what it took. What is different now is that with success comes expectation and a very large bull’s-eye on your back.”
Northwood lost four players from last year’s team to graduation but boasts 12 returning players, including five starters.
“Those are the goals,” Koth said of winning another GLIAC title and having a lengthy postseason run. “Now it’s on the coaches and players to put in the time and effort to achieve. I like our chances.”
The Lady Timberwolves return seniors Elizabeth Barker (defense), Chelsea Greene, Jordan Dunn (setter, second team all-GLIAC), Ally Hoomaian (outside hitter, all-GLIAC), Julia Pakhomenko (outside hitter, first team all-American, GLIAC player of the year), and Kristin Perschon (middle blocker). Also returning are junior Erin Hoomaian (defense); sophomores Jaclyn Kimmet, Meghan Cleary (outside hitter), Krysta Kramer (outside hitter), and Cassy Marsh (middle blocker); and red-shirt freshmen Chelsea Greene (defense) and Lisa Kisil (defense).
New to the team are transfers Birta Bjornsdottir and Siyao Li (outside hitter) and freshman Marissa Pomeville (middle blocker).
“The key component of our roster makeup this fall is that we have a large amount of upperclassmen having championship experience,” Koth said. “That is a valuable tool this fall as we will go through a season defending a title. I also like the depth and expected competition that we are anticipating at each position.”
Ferris State Tough
Ferris State University took second place in the GLIAC with a 16-2 mark and will once again be guided by head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm, who enters her 18th year leading the Lady Bulldogs.
FSU returns 10 letter winners from last year’s team that reached the regional semifinals, including senior libero Brandie Merren and junior outside hitter Courtney Rehm, both of whom were All-GLIAC selections last season. Ferris State will have a huge boost to its roster this season with the addition of former Morley Stanwood standout Alexis Huntey. Huntey started her college career last season at George Washington University, but elected to transfer to FSU after her freshman season. Huntey guided Morley Stanwood to a state championship her senior season.
Keep An Eye On…
Ashland University also expects a strong season. The Lady Eagles went 12-6 last year and boast returners Megan Rohlfs (defensive specialist, 317 digs last year), Baley Bernthisel (outside hitter, 240 kills), Marci Zegarac (outside hitter, 523 digs), Kate Eckels (outside hitter, 247 kills, 42 service aces), and Susie Jonas (171 kills).