Head Coach Chuck
McCracken opens his eight season as Guilford's head volleyball coach with nine returning
letter winners, including four regulars from last season's 5-21 club. Two highly touted
freshmen figure to push the veterans for playing time and help the Quakers return to the
Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Tournament after a one-year absence. This season
marks the first time in league history that the ODAC Tournament champion receives an
automatic bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs.
McCracken will rely on the skill and leadership of his two seniors, outside hitter Susie Browder and setter/hitter Emily Pavetto. The pair has the experience of playing with the last two Guilford ODAC semifinalists in 1996 and 1997 and knows how to win. As in 1998, experienced leadership will be an important part of Guilford's success this season as seven of the 11 players on the Quakers' preseason roster are in their first or second college volleyball season.
Despite the youth, McCracken points to the experience gained last year and stability at the setter position as two causes for optimism this season. The Quakers overcame a long losing streak during the 1998 season and won four of their last eight matches. The team learned the value of hard work and will look to play one point at a time. McCracken hopes the experience leads to a stronger defensive team, which can keep a team in a match when the offense isn't clicking.
Pavetto's return and the addition of rookie Jennifer Pue-Gilchrist figure to solidify the important setter's position. A year ago, injuries and Pavetto's study abroad forced Guilford to move a number of players out of their natural positions into the setter's spot. Pavetto assumed setting responsibilities for the 1997 team and posted the third-highest single-season assists total in school history. Both Pavetto and Pue-Gilchrist are also solid hitters, which allows McCracken to use a two-setter formation. Sophomore Sarah Reese saw time at setter in her first season but could be more valuable as a defensive specialist this year.
Browder, who received Guilford's Best Offensive Player Award last year, should be a top offensive weapon once again from the left side. A regular in Guilford's lineup in each of the last four years, she assumed a leadership role on last year's squad, which should serve her well in 1999. Sophomore Sarah Miller and freshman Ashley Harrison should press Browder for court action this season. Miller played more than any other first-year Guilford player last season and showed signs of developing into a solid attacker. Harrison, a high school and club teammate of Pue-Gilchrist, helped East Chapel Hill High School to the North Carolina 3-A state finals as a senior and figures prominently in Guilford's plans in 1999. Katy Pomeroy-Carter, last year's Most Improved Player, should play a more prominent role in her sophomore season.
The improved depth at setter enables junior Marigny Johnston to return to her natural middle hitter's position. Johnston, one of the team's top athletes, filled in at setter last season, but is needed back in the middle after the graduation of four-year starter Monica Jaszczak, who left last year as the Quakers' career blocks per game leader. Junior Mary Catherine Hale has made steady progress since picking up volleyball for the first time as a freshman. At 5-10, she has the height and athleticism to make an impact in Guilford's lineup and needs only the experience.
Despite last season's record and the relative inexperience of this season's team, Guilford continues to play a very competitive schedule. In addition to the 10-game conference slate featuring defending ODAC champion Washington and Lee, the Quakers square off with a number of the south region's perennial powerhouses in nonleague matches and tournaments. Guilford will once again host the Guilford Invitational Tournament, which includes top teams such as Savannah College of Art & Design, Averett and Greensboro. This season's tournament includes an appearance by Carthage College, a respectable team from Wisconsin. Hollins hosts the 1999 ODAC Tournament in Roanoke, VA November 5-6.