HAVERFORD, Pa. - The Haverford College volleyball team has made it a habit of qualifying for the Centennial Conference playoffs with 10 consecutive trips to the postseason tournament. The 2011 squad upheld the tradition with a 14-14 overall record and 6-4 mark in conference play, as well as a sixth straight trip to the conference semifinals. Expect much of the same in 2012 from the Fords, ranked fifth in the preseason poll of Centennial coaches, as they seek a return trip to the conference tournament despite a roster heavily populated with freshmen.
Key returners for Haverford are seniors Emily Mills (right side hitter) and Olivia Coburn-Flynn (middle hitter). Also gaining valuable playing experience last season were sophomore Madison Fuelling (outside hitter/defensive specialist), sophomore Sarah Brody (defensive specialist) and senior Jordan Scolaro (defensive specialist). Haverford finished third in the conference in digs last season (16.92 per game) as Brody ranked sixth individually (3.96 pg).
The squad added six talented freshmen to complement the five returners with significant playing experience. Second-year head coach Michele Benoit sees outside hitters Nina Mutty and Keri Godbe, middle hitter Meg O'Day and setter Olivia Walsh playing prominent roles from the start of the season. Defensive specialist Jeanna Kenney and setter/hitter Sara Rennert will add vital depth.
"My expectations are high for a successful season as we have a young, but very talented group of dedicated players. As long as we stay healthy, we have the potential to have a great season," offers Benoit.
Top-ranked non-conference competition this season will come from regional power Juniata College, ranked 10th in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) preseason poll and University of Chicago, ranked 15th in the AVCA poll. Other strong regional teams include Moravian College, Richard Stockton University, Cabrini College and Messiah College. The Centennial Conference will offer its typical competitive slate with every team capable of beating another on any given day.
The Fords begin the season on Sept. 1 as they host the Haverford Invitational at Gooding Arena with action beginning at 11:30 a.m. Later in the day, Haverford will square off against Susquehanna University at 1:30 p.m. and Widener University at 3:30 p.m.