2019 Volleyball Preview: Setters/Defensive Specialists

Passing and defense were a key for the College of Idaho and their run to bracket play at the NAIA Volleyball National Championships. The 2019 squad returns a veteran leader in the back row, however, head coach Liz Mendiola must replace an All-American in the setter spot.
 
After running the Coyote attack the last two seasons, standout setter Marija Djonovic has graduated, with three players in a battle to earn the top spot.
 
Returner Margie Beeler is familiar with the Yote attack after seeing action as a freshman when C of I moved to a 6-2 attack, recording 249 assists, 77 digs and 17 aces in 56 sets.
 
Sophomore Briana Barta joined the team during the spring term after leading the College of Southern Idaho to a NJCAA national title – as the 6-foot-1 Boise native averaged 4.8 assists and 0.6 blocks per set as a front row setter for the Golden Eagles.
 
True freshman Abigail Guinn could make an immediate impact as well after a stellar prep career at Bishop Manogue High in Reno. The 6-footer led the entire state of Nevada in assists per set (9.7) as a senior.
 
"All three players are working hard and I feel that we have three great options to choose from," Mendiola said. "Both Margie and Briana have done a great job and are getting better and better each practice locating and being in control. Bri is one of our best blockers and could be a difference maker at the net – she funnels your ball to the defense or gets good touches. Abby, our freshman, is really smart and locates the ball. I feel we will have great balance no matter what combination we have on the court."
 
While the Yotes will have a new setter in 2019, they return an award winning libero, as Drew Dobney had a banner sophomore season, earning Cascade Conference Libero of the Year honors. Dobney led the league with 571 total digs and added 20 aces and was instrumental in C of I moving out of Pool Play at Nationals.
 
"Drew came in ready to go - she's been a great leader and really vocal and is playing with a confidence we haven't seen the last couple years," Mendiola said. "We keep telling her how good she is, but I think now she is believing how good she is.  She really has set the tone for our defense and the expectation level – she is a junior now and not afraid to run the court a little bit more and set the bar high."
 
With the potential for the Coyotes to have multiple 6-rotation players – the competition for the defensive specialist roles will be fierce.
 
Junior Josie Whitehead and sophomore Kayla Riley were part of the service rotation in 2018 – combining for 132 digs and 20 aces. They will be joined by true freshmen Alyssa Espley and Chevelle Shepherd.
 
"All of our defensive specialists are working hard and getting better every single day," Mendiola said. "Both Josie and Kayla have been solid in practice. For our new freshmen, it is a new system, but they have both are working hard to do what we are asking. I feel we have outstanding options no matter who we put in that role."
 
The Yotes open up the 2019 season next Friday at the Big Sky Volleyball Challenge in Butte, Mont.