August 26, 2010

Volleyball Set for First Serve in Seattle

MACON, Ga. – Mercer volleyball head coach Noelle Rooke leads her team into its first action of the season Friday afternoon in The Invitational at Seattle.  The Bears face four unfamiliar opponents in Eastern Washington, No. 8 Washington, Seattle and Portland State.

 

Scouting the Opposition

 

Eastern Washington

 

Eastern Washington returns nine letterwinners and two starters from last year’s team that finished 18-11 (12-4 Big Sky). 

 

For the third consecutive season, the Eagles were picked fourth in the Big Sky Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

 

Mercer is the second Atlantic Sun team Eastern Washington has faced in program history.  The Eagles own a 3-0 record versus Jacksonville, last topping the Dolphins in 2005.

 

Washington

 

The Huskies return five starters from last year’s team that finished 24-6 (13-5 Pac-10) and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. 

 

This year’s Washington squad features three returners who have earned All-American honors in their careers.

 

Friday night’s matchup with Washington serves as the season opener for the Pac-10 powerhouse. The Huskies have won their last eight season openers, dating back to 2002.

 

Portland State

 

Portland State returns four starters from last year’s team that went 21-8 (14-2 Big Sky).

 

Portland State has won seven of its last eight season openers dating back to 2002.

 

The Vikings have been picked to win the Big Sky conference for the third straight season in a preseason poll conducted by the league’s coaches.

 

Portland State has won at least 20 games each of the last five seasons.

 

Seattle

 

Seattle’s matchup with the Bears represents the first of four scheduled contests for the Redhawks against Atlantic Sun opponents. On three consecutive days in October the Redhawks travel to Florida to face North Florida, Jacksonville and Stetson.

 

The Redhawks bring back six returners from last year’s squad that finished 8-20 overall.

 

The Seattle roster features seven freshmen, tied for 11^th among Division I programs for the most first-year players.