Oklahoma City University brings back an experienced crew aiming to build on the volleyball successes the Stars attained last year.
In a breakthrough season, OCU racked up many firsts for the program. The Stars reached the NAIA Championships, won an NAIA Championship Opening-Round match, captured the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament and finished the season ranked 24th in the NAIA.
All-conference middle blocker Alex Benbrook leads a quartet of seniors that played integral roles on that 2010 squad. Nikki Dieball has taken the reins of the OCU program. Dieball said the team has put in the time in the offseason to prepare for this year.
The Stars begin the year in the Oklahoma City-Southern Nazarene Classic, facing Tabor (Kan.) at 3 p.m. Friday at Abe Lemons Arena. OCU has been picked to finish fourth place in the SAC in the preseason.
“Since we return a lot of people, we want to pick up in stride with where they were last year,” Dieball said. “It's been obvious they've been working hard this summer. They have a passion to play. I have just as big a passion to coach. It's going to be fun.”
Benbrook, a senior from Enid, Okla., generates offense with her attacking ability and defense with her blocking skills. She picked up first-team all-SAC honors while accumulating 2.28 kills, 0.94 blocks and a .232 hitting percentage in 2010. Benbrook came to OCU after spending her freshman year at Rhode Island.
“She's a mature player,” Dieball said. “She's had Division I experience. She's been a part of every scenario. We will look to her for leadership on and off the court. She throws up a huge block. She has a tremendous arm swing and can put the ball away.”
Victoria Cross, a senior from Oklahoma City, owns the instincts necessary to succeed as a libero. Cross rose from the ranks of the OCU junior varsity to contributing defensive specialist to mainstay at libero. She put together 4.11 digs a set last season.
“We look to her to take charge of our defensive game,” Dieball said. “She gets herself in position. She has a good read on the ball. She gets it done.”
Taylor Rowton, a senior from Edmond, Okla., has been a leader in off-season drills with her work ethic, investing in her skills tremendously. Rowton recorded 1.41 kills and 0.49 blocks per set from her right-side hitter position.
“She's blossomed this off-season,” Dieball said. “She puts up a big block. She can put power on the ball. Her swing has come on and become quicker.”
Raissa Santos, a senior from Sao Paulo, Brazil, owns a versatile skill set that includes fine leaping ability. Santos became an honorable-mention all-SAC outside hitter while accumulating 2.20 kills, 3.44 digs and 0.24 blocks last year.
“We're looking for big production from her,” Dieball said. “She makes good decisions in the air. She is a quiet leader who leads a lot by example.”
A more in-depth look at the Stars:
Setter
Danielle Robison, a sophomore from Dallas, showed herself capable of directing the OCU offense while handling the primary setter duties in spots last year. Robison netted conference setter of the week honors while ringing up 6.39 assists, 1.60 digs and 0.27 aces a set.
“She got a taste of what it's like,” Dieball said. “She's spent a whole lot of time and done a good job connecting with our hitters. We look for her to make good decisions. It will be her show, and she will do a good job.”
Middle blocker
Torrie Flynn, a sophomore from Edmond, Okla., made significant contributions as a freshman at middle blocker. Benbrook and Flynn should be a formidable pair in the middle for OCU. Flynn averaged 1.61 kills and 0.64 blocks a set last year.
“She's a huge presence who's explosive and dynamic,” Dieball said. “She's gotten quicker. She has a dynamic arm swing.”
Meghan Irwin, a freshman from Arlington, Texas, should contribute in this area as well as at outside hitter and right-side hitter. Irwin comes to OCU after earning all-district honors at Arlington Martin High School (Texas).
“She's a very explosive, dynamic hitter,” Dieball said. “She can all three spots across the net. She is active and constantly encouraging. She will be fun to watch.”
Libero/defensive specialist
While Cross will be the main libero for the Stars, Anna Gentry will be counted on to provide spark as a defensive specialist. Gentry, a sophomore from Stillwater, Okla., contributed 1.93 digs a set in 2010.
“She's worked hard to improve her read on the ball,” Dieball said. “She has a strong ability to find the ball. She has a strong serve.”
Alyssa Fisher, a freshman from Edmond, Okla., will be expected to contribute not only at defensive specialist but other positions as well. Fisher aided Edmond Memorial in winning three state championships.
“She gives nothing but 100 percent,” Dieball said. “She is a utility player. She is intense. She consistently rallies her teammates. She's a solid player.”
Kelley Shiels, a freshman from Edmond, Okla., should provide depth at defensive specialist. Shiels earned respect for her passing ability as well as all-state honors at Brandenton Braden River (Fla.).
“She is a tenacious defensive player who will add a lot of depth to our roster,” Dieball said.
Outside hitter/Right-side hitter
Besides Irwin, Rowton and Santos, Aspen Healy arrives at OCU after spending her freshman year with Seminole State. Healy posted 1.33 kills and 0.52 blocks a set last year.
“She presents a good block,” Dieball said. “She is athletic.”
Dieball has seen an enthused bunch preparing for the season.
“We are headed in a great direction,” Dieball said. “They were motivated to pick up and get on with this year. Every day we want to display a tremendous work ethic. They have jumped on board with what we do. The foundation has been set. We're excited to get the new season rolling.”
