By:Patrick Hall Wednesday, 22 August, 2007

The Pratt Community College Volleyball Team will open its 2007 season at Butler Community College on Friday at 3:00, facing Cedar Valley of Texas. At 7:00 pm, Pratt will take on Coffeyville. The Beavers will play Hesston at 11:00 am on Saturday, followed by a 1:00 or 3:00 match depending upon pool play records.

Head Coach Patrick Hall is counting on an improved defense to carry the Beavers through the early part of their schedule. Having brought in two frosh defensive specialists, Hall feels confident that this year's squad can cover a lot of court. Returning sophomore DS/Libero Chelsey Leonard (Bassett, NE), will bring experience to the back court, and newcomers Courtney Purcella, a standout club player from Lakewood, CO, and Kelsie Ptacek (Wilson, KS) add considerable talent to the Beavers' defensive game.

The offense may take some time to get untracked, as last year's All-Region middle hitter, Mandy Zeka (Wellington), had shoulder surgery in the off-season and missed spring workouts. The Beavers will rely heavily upon their captain, Lacy Olin, an outside hitter All-Region player from Colorado Springs. Olin led the Beavers in all offensive categories last year, and is expected to be one of the top offensive players in the conference. The Beavers will need help, however, from their other two outsides, Kelly Settle (Larned) and Shannon Wright (Colorado Springs, CO). The two shared outside hitting duties last year. The Beavers are also looking for substantial offensive production from right side Taylor Randall (Jonesboro, AR). Randall played virtually every position last year, but specialized on the right side in the spring. Hall feels that she has potential to be a right side force for the Beavers this year.

As is often the case, the middles will be a key to the Beavers' success this year. Along with Zeka, Brittney Lindhorst (Wamego) returns as the other starter, but newcomers Ashley Simons (Leoti) and Melissa Woods (Belle Plaine) will certainly be seeing playing time. One of them will need to play right side if Hall goes with a 6-2.

And the two frosh setters will dictate that decision. Heather Williams (Oberlin) and Ashley Fenton (Colorado Springs, CO) are handling the offensive direction. Both can deliver the ball well and are adjusting to the quicker tempo of Jayhawk ball. Having two talented setters gives the Beavers an option of going with a 5-1 or 6-2.

If the Beavers can anchor their game on their denying defense, then the latter part of the season should see an offense to match. In any case, Hall expects the Beavers to bring an exciting brand of ball to Dennis Lesh Arena this year.

PCC's first home game is August 29th against Cloud County. Match time is 6:30.