Rebuilding on a Strong Foundation
DUBUQUE, IA – After the final ball hit the floor in Greenville last November, the Lady Eagles knew they were in for a tough challenge as they looked toward the 2019 campaign. After losing eight players from their 2018 squad, Emmaus is now prepared to make their season debut with seven new faces.
The Lady Eagles return no six-rotation starters from last year, and will need to be creative and flexible as players grow into new roles. Emmaus will face stiff competition in both conference and regional matches, and will find out in short order what it will take for them to be a contender.
Though they may be lacking in experience, the Lady Eagles have been working hard and have made great strides in their game during the pre-season. Despite the challenges that await, the team is excited and ready to begin regular season play.
"We have spent the last four years laying a very solid foundation for our program," commented Coach Pitman. "Even though our team has experienced a change in players, it hasn't experienced a change in culture or in our standard of excellence. We are always striving for the same things: to honor the Lord and Emmaus with our testimony, and to perform our very best every time we are on the floor. The ladies on this year's team have been an encouragement to Coach Richter and me with their great attitudes and investment in the team, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this season."
The Lady Eagles open play this weekend in Overland Park, Kansas. Emmaus takes on NCCAA opponent Kansas Christian College, followed by a match with Haskell Indian Nations University (NAIA). Match times are 12 and 2 PM CST on Saturday, August 31st. Visit the Emmaus Volleyball Website or the Emmaus Athletics Facebook page for live stream info and updates.
The 2019 Emmaus Lady Eagles
Returners
Lyndra Davis (JR - Zephyrhills, FL): Outside Hitter
Paulina Velderrain (SO - Tucson, AZ): Outside Hitter
Morgan Thiessen (SO - Winnipeg, MB): Setter
Verah Banasky (SO - Melissa, TX): Libero
New Players
Megan Baily (SR - Springville, IA): Defensive Specialist
Lexi Taylor (SO - Oskaloosa, IA): Middle Blocker
Cory Brodmerkle (SO - Noxon, MT): Right Side
Makayla Martin (FR - Fontana, KS): Defensive Specialist
Shel Gaines (FR - Daytona Beach, FL): Middle Blocker
Alex Carroll (FR - Yanceyville, NC): Right Side
Emma Barsness (FR - Mazomanie, WI): Defensive Specialist