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In 2010, Kankakee Community College achieved a record of 40 wins against 10 losses. This was only the 12th time in the 33 year history of the program that a Cavalier squad earned 40 or more victories in a year. The season was marked by consistent all around play, as the Team only dropped two matches in a row just once against a slate of nationally ranked programs. It was also noted for a potent offensive attack with the Cavaliers putting away almost 1900 kills and hitting nearly 260%. The Team made it back to the Region Championship Match and ended the year ranked in the Top 20.
The squad consists of five Sophomores and eight Freshmen with three returnees from a year ago. The Team members do bring experience on both the National and International level of play. The challenge is how quickly this group can band together as they face programs with more experience right from the onset of the season.
Setters
The Cavalier offense will be in the hands of two rookies as they strive to continue the program’s tradition of fine Setters.
Olivia Donley from Bradley-Bourbonnais HS is a converted Middle Blocker and will hit as an Opposite (right side) Hitter in a 2 Setter offense. She was named First Team Daily Journal All Area selection, the Team Most Valuable Player and was one of the leading point (kills, aces and blocks) leaders in the area. Donley finished with 179 kills, .280 hitting percentage, 154 set assists and 229 total points.
Another local product Keona Kelly from Gardner is the other Cavalier Setter. Kelly was recognized as a First Team River Valley All Conference, First Team All Area and Team MVP. For her senior campaign, she had 170 set assists, 26 service aces, 88 digs and 47 kills.
Outside hitters
Any one of the athletes in this group can play at least one other position and might end up there by the end of the year.
Lorielle Bliss (Towanda, IL) comes in with competitive experience on the National level having trained with the Illini Elite volleyball club. A Middle Hitter for the majority of her career, Bliss will make the switch to the outside. She was named Big 12 All Conference Honorable Mention.
Leann Cook (Martinsville, IN) was a member of the 2007-08 team and returns after a short hiatus. Playing mostly defense, she saw action in 36 sets while averaging over 3.1 digs a set. Along with her primary position as outside hitter, Cook might see time as a defensive specialist and a back up Setter.
Though listed as an outside hitter, Katharine Larson (Matteson) might not see many matches at that position despite being a two time member of the All Metro Suburban Conference, All Tournament at Tinley Park and Manteno tournaments and Northwest Indiana Times All Area First team (IL). Larson could see opportunities at the libero and setting positions. She posted 173 kills, 34 aces and 34 aces in 2010.
Marlee Michalski (Pickford, MI) will receive time as an Opposite Hitter. She is a multiple sport athlete who might see games at other positions such as a defensive specialist.
Sophomore Brittany Nelson (Delphi, IN), who played all of last year on the Opposite side, will get a chance to move back to the outside in six rotations, a position she played exclusively in her senior year. Nelson had 73 blocks with 244 kills while hitting at a .278% clip.
A left handed player, Kaitlyn Wagenaar (Dyer, IN) brings a physical game to the net as another player that has National club experience. Wagenaar was named Duneland All Conference and NWI Times All Area Honorable mention. She finished her senior season hitting .281% with 297 kills and 192 blocks.
Middle Blockers
The Middle Blockers features an explosive group of athletes who will don a Cavaliers uniform for the first time but will bring with them high levels of achievement and experience.
Marche’ Hammeren (Olney) received Apollo All Conference, All Tournament selections at St. Anthony and Newton HS and All State Honorable Mention. While setting the school record for most kills (219) in a season, Hammeren helped East Richland to its first ever regional title. She also had 56 blocks and 28 aces.
Celeste McCormick (Wabash, IN) was a member of a very successful program at Southwood HS which made three consecutive appearances in the Class 2A Final Four tournament. McCormick was named All State Second Team (2009 and 2010), All Three River’s Conference and Indiana North All Star. She wrapped up her senior year with 255 kills, 75 blocks and a .287 hitting percentage.
Second year student but first year volleyball player Amara Williams hails from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Williams is making the transition back to the sport after one year with the Cavaliers basketball program. She brings to the Team international experience having competed for the Virgin Islands Senior National Team.
Defensive Specialist/libero
Two of the three returnees will anchor this position which was a source of consistency and strength in last year’s 40 win season.
Sophomore Megan Bultema of St. Anne played in just 34 sets last season though they were at critical points of the match and had a knack of making the crucial plays. Bultema had an excellent Spring season and will be expected to steady the defensive play of the Team.
Kankakee’s Brianne Fay, a second year player, will also be depended on to shore up the back row defense. Along with her defensive play, Fay brings a consistent, tough jump serve.
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