Guilford’s volleyball team looks to take another step forward in 2009 motivated by the taste of its first Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Tournament berth in three years. Coach Emily Gann boasts the most experienced team in her four seasons with nine returning letter winners. She hopes the veterans can build on the progress made over the past three years to earn a top-four seed in the ODAC Tournament and record Guilford’s first postseason victory since 1997.

In addition to experience, the veterans bring Guilford depth and versatility, which helps overcome injury and provides competition for playing time. Gann was encouraged by the way her team grew closer together as 2008 wore on and worked towards a common goal. The progress continued through last year’s nontraditional spring season when Guilford showed improved speed and skills. Individuals found their roles and leaders blossomed, which will help this year’s newcomers adjust to the college game.

With so much discussion of experience and veterans, you might expect a senior-laden Quakers’ roster. However, libero Bethany Hawks is the lone senior on this year’s club. The team’s four juniors and four sophomores, most of whom have seen extensive playing time, give Guilford such a veteran feel. All nine returners played at least two games of last year’s ODAC Tournament quarterfinal loss to Washington and Lee University, their first postseason experience. Gann says that three-set loss will motivate the bulk of this year’s team towards bigger and better things.

Gann knows Guilford needs to improve its offense by putting the ball away more consistently. The Quakers ranked among the bottom of the ODAC’s team hitting percentage leaders last season and averaged fewer than nine kills per set. Stronger service reception can prevent runs by the opposition and more aggressive serving by the Quakers will keep the other team off rhythm. Guilford blocked well in 2008, but needs to replace the graduated Shanika Tunnell (0.81 bps.), who ranked second sophomore Emma Gunn (0.86 bps.) among the team’s blocks leaders.

One of Guilford’s strongest positions in 2009 should be outside hitter, where the Quakers have more depth than in past seasons. Junior captain Anna Miller, a two-time honorable mention All-ODAC selection, leads the way with a strong all-around game. She led Guilford in kills (269), service aces (44) and points (329), while standing second on the club in digs (258) and digs per set (2.35). Junior Courtney Kozar (1.94 kps.) made big strides in 2008, despite having knee surgery the preceding spring. She gives Guilford another outside scoring option. Gann looks for a good season from sophomore Mary Moody after a season of adjusting to college. Sophomore Laura Kopald and freshman Brittany Freeman of North Henderson (N.C.) High School should see time as either outside or middle hitters.

Junior Stephanie Blankenship started her career as a middle hitter before moving to right side a year ago. With Tunnell’s graduation and Blankenship’s stronger and surgically repaired shoulder, she may see more time in the middle. Gann also looks forward to Gunn’s contributions on the front row. As a rookie, she led the team in blocks and ranked third in kills despite missing five matches due to injury. Gunn will be reunited with Great Valley (Pa.) high school teammate Katharine Weikel, who contends for playing time in the middle and at right side.

Blankenship played the right-side hitter position for most of last season and may return there in 2009. She joins Kopald, Weikel and rookie Molly Walker as contenders for the starting job in preseason camp.

Sophomore captain Taylor Phillips returns to setter for a second season. She added speed and consistency to last year’s offense and brings a strong work ethic to the court. At 5-9, junior Kate Dailey brings height to the position and made great strides in the spring. Both students will see time and give Gann depth and flexibility at a key offensive position.

Fresh off the finest season of her career, Hawks is solid at libero, probably the Quakers’ thinnest position in 2009. She led the 2008 team with 3.45 digs per set and a .918 serve reception percentage. Her 376 digs a year ago stand ninth in school history. Phillips and Walker could help at libero in case of emergency.

The Quakers open the season Sept. 2 versus visiting Peace College before playing 15 of their next 16 matches on the road. Guilford plays in tournaments hosted by local rivals Averett University and Greensboro College in preparation for ODAC play, which starts Sept. 16 at Roanoke College. The Quakers close with four straight home tilts, including league contests with Randolph College, Eastern Mennonite University and Emory & Henry College that could determine whether Guilford meets its goal of a top-four tournament seed.