Volleyball 2021-2022 Pre-Season Outlook: Home Opener Saturday

September 3, 2021

Virginia Beach, VA - As the Bobcats return from two long road trips to start the season, they already look poised to bounce back from a covid-Spring season that saw only 3 of a total 18 matches with the entire roster. The 2020 Fall season was supposed to be big for the Bobcats with a great influx of talent. While covid (or injury) kept someone on the sidelines almost every week, the Bobcats, like most programs, were able to train for the full year and are already seeing great progress. Coach Stein's main goal is to return to increasing the total wins, something they had done each season until covid.

For the second year in a row, the program has been blessed with a stellar recruiting class. This class is also the first where all newcomers are from the 757. However, we also add Suzanne Fornadel to the class who transferred in last January (HS class of '20, Harrisonburg VA) and gets the burned semester back eligibility wise because of the covid exemption. Fornadel will reinforce the back row as a defensive specialist. She's seen early time at the Libero position while Sophomore starting Libero Hannah Williams has already had to play Outside Hitter and Setter. Once the full roster is back to health, they will be a pair of solid defenders in the back row for the Bobcats. Angelica Anishchenkov (Tallwood HS) also comes in and has contributed some solid time as Outside Hitter in the preason. The Bobcats will look to her, as well as Isabella De La Rosa Sanchez (Ocean Lakes HS) to challenge Sophomore McKenzie Kilgallon for time on the left pin as Kilgallon's size brings her over in the top spot. Anishchenkov has already posted some solid stats in the back row with digs and aces. De La Rosa Sanchez will bring an athletic dimension additional offense to the table as well. All will need to fill the hole left by departing Rachael Humphrey who has transferred to Christopher Newport to play for the next 3 years.

Sophomores McKinley Waid and Destiny Holley were elected as Captains for the season. Waid (Phoenix, AZ) will continue to run the offense, changing the team system to a 5-1 from the 6-2 she shared last season with Rainah Herdman. Waid's strong serve and quick hands will be put to the test as other teams will look to take advantage of her size. Destiny Holley returns in one of the Middle Blocker roles and is already leading the team in kills. The Bobcats will be a middle-first offense behind her athleticism and the creative shot placing of Sophomore Noemi Marquez (Odessa, TX). Marquez and Holley will bookend the front row on both offense and defense as they were very rarely outmatched in the conference last season.

Rounding out the freshman class are Alexandra Hurtado (Setter, Denbigh), Makayla Wills (OP/MB, Warwick), and DeAndra Moore (MB/Op, Nansemond River). Hurtado will train to replace Waid, but brings a solid punch already with her serve. Wills brings in some height and long arms, hoping to fill the void Kilgallon leaves as she's been moved to the left side. Moore is already seeing a lot sets and time on both the left and right sides. Moore will look to primarily become the top choice on the right side, while allowing some switching schemes to block middle also. Late addition on loan from the basketball team is 6'1" Marlee Syer who's size and athleticism will earn her significant playing time in both the MB and OP positions.

Look for the Bobcats to return to the playoffs this season as they seek to improve on their previous finish and advance to the semifinals.