(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Capital University's volleyball team reported to campus for its first day of practice Monday at The Capital Center.
The Crusaders, under the direction of 15th year head coach Pam Briggs, look to continue their streak of seven consecutive 20-win seasons and return to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the past four years.
Despite the graduation of All-American middle hitter Jessie Hampson (Lancaster, Ohio/Lancaster HS), Capital returns 10 letterwinners and five starters from last season's 21-10 team. Junior middle hitter Allison Hostetler (Dalton, Ohio/Dalton HS) is the top returning player, having earned All-OAC honors last year, recording 117 total blocks while tallying 218 kills and a .331 hitting percentage.
Also returning is senior Jackie Helm (Lancaster, Ohio/Fisher Catholic HS), the 2004 OAC Freshman of the Year whose 489 digs led the team, as well as fellow seniors in outside hitter Kelly Steinemen (New Bremen, Ohio/New Bremen HS) and setter Kara Guster (Orrville, Ohio/Orrville HS). Guster was second on the squad in 2007 with 287 assists.
A strong junior class returns with Hostetler, including setter Jenna Zumberger (DeGraff, Ohio/Fairlawn HS), who led the team with 968 assists, and Sarah Gallik (Chagrin Falls, Ohio/Kenston HS), who was second on the team with 288 kills. Laura Wichman (Chardon, Ohio/Chardon HS), Sara Doebel (Clyde, Ohio/Clyde HS) and Brenda Denlinger (Arcanum, Ohio/Arcanum HS) round out the junior class.
Capital begins the 2008 season hosting the eight-team Capital Invitational. Please click here for a full tournament schedule.