2003 Volleyball
Outlook

With four freshmen, three sophomores, and one junior, the resurgence of the Lake College volleyball will have to rely on youthful energy and resilience. Second-year head coach Gary VanCauwenberge will face the challenge of getting such a young team in sync, however, the four upperclassmen each have considerable experience in a Storm uniform. The final season in Lincoln Gymnasium could turn into one of the finest in the program's history.

"The program is on the verge of turning around. The talent level is increasing yearly, and the player's attitudes and team unity are the strongest I have seen since arriving at Lake Erie," VanCauwenberge said.

Junior Tammy LaMarca will combine with sophomores Jennifer Bartholomew and Crystal Limpert to form the nucleus of Lake Erie's starting lineup. LaMarca (West Park, Ohio/John Marshall) begins her third season in the Green and White. As a sophomore, she recorded 46 kills and 16 blocks in 63 games. Meanwhile Bartholomew and Limpert will both attempt to improve on solid freshman campaigns. Bartholomew (Burton, Ohio/Berkshire) registered team-highs in blocks (31) and service aces (31) while playing in each of the team's 63 games. Limpert (Cleveland, Ohio/John Marshall) totaled a team-high 152 digs. The three, who will all see time at the middle and outside hitter positions, will need to provide leadership on a day-to-day basis, in addition to posting solid numbers, to help lead the young squad.

"The four returnees are going to make a decisive impact on each other and the first-year players," VanCauwenberge commented. "Each of the four will have specific responsibilities that they will need to set and maintain as the season moves forward."

Tiffany Zink heads the incoming class of freshman. Zink, a Michigan product from Lake Orion High, will likely be the starting setter for Lake Erie's opening day match versus Ohio Wesleyan at the Oberlin Invitational. She was a three-year letterwinner for the Dragons. Fellow freshmen Amelia Bradley, Amanda Gordon, Renee Lashaway and Kris Trifiletti will all compete for playing time at various positions. Lashaway (Osseo, Mich./Waldron Area) should see time as a defensive specialist, sharing the spot with sophomore Samantha Brown (Canisteo, N.Y./Canisteo). Bradley (Niles, Ohio/Niles McKinley), Gordon (Leavittsburg, Ohio/LaBrae) and Trifiletti (Concord, Ohio/Riverside) will challenge for a starting middle or outside hitter position.

"I recruit people who want to make an immediate impact for our program," VanCauwenberge said. "There will be at least three first-year starters in the lineup, and they need to step up just like the returnees."

In all, the volleyball team's success in Lincoln Gymnasium's final year will likely be stringent upon the abilities of VanCauwenberge and his experienced players. They will serve as the foundation for the program's revival.

"Our goals for the year are simple; I expect everyone to come ready to learn and work hard," VanCauwenberge noted. "If we continually work on the process the outcome will take care of itself."

 

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