SPORTS
Davidson Volleyball Opens 2018 Season With Wildcat Classic This Weekend
A number of members of the 2017 volleyball squad are returning to the court for the 2018 Wildcats.
DAVIDSON, N.C. — As the first official week of the 2018-19 academic year comes to a close, Davidson volleyball also begins its 2018 season, welcoming three teams for the annual Wildcat Classic.
Davidson will play host to Central Arkansas on Friday at 7:00 p.m., and then take on Marist Saturday at noon before wrapping things up with William & Mary at 4:30 p.m. Live stats will be available for all contests, and video streaming will be accessible for all three as well.
2018 AT A GLANCE
The Wildcats are looking to return to the Atlantic 10 Tournament, a feat they accomplished for the first time in program history in 2016. The squad welcomes back a strong veteran crew in setter/opposite Mason Rooney, who ranked second in the country in triple doubles a year ago, outside hitter Ciera Cockrell, who led the 2017 team in kills (239), opposite Katharine Franz, who collected multiple all-tournament titles last year, and defensive specialist Sam Thompson, who ranked third on the team last year in service aces.
Junior Josie Treadwell serves in a 2017 match versus the University of Georgia.
Rooney and Cockrell will repeat their titles as captain, joined by junior defensive specialist Josie Treadwell.
With a significant amount of playing time returning, the ‘Cats will carry a wealth of depth, adding a strong six-member freshman class.
The squad was picked to finish eighth in the Atlantic 10 Coaches’ Preseason Poll, with reigning champions VCU were chosen to repeat.
“I’m not surprised by the poll,” head coach Chris Willis said of results. “VCU, Dayton, and SLU have shown a history of excellence at the top. Our goal is to get back in the conference tournament and be at our best in November. The team has performed well against the top half of the conference and we feel great about our chances this year.”
ALONG THE BENCH
2018 marks the second season for assistant Brian Rosen, who was recently elevated to Associate Head Coach. Joining him is first-year volunteer assistant Erin Labasan, a standout two-sport athlete at Grinnell College in Iowa, and veteran volunteer Pudge Breitwise.
THE SCHEDULE
The ‘Cats will remain home for their first midweek clash of the season, welcoming cross-county rival Charlotte to Belk Arena Tuesday. The team then treks up the road to Boone, N.C., to play in the Appalachian State Invitational, where they will take on host App State and Power-5 opponents Mississippi State and Clemson.