The 2011 season will be one in which the Eastern Michigan University volleyball team tries to build upon its success of last season.
The Eagles posted the largest turnaround season in program history as they improved from five wins to a 24-11 (10-9 MAC) record in 2010. The team’s biggest win came against Michigan State University early in its season.
The season ended with a second-round Mid-American Conference Tournament loss to the Northern Illinois Huskies.
At the end of their season, the Eagles had two players named First Team All-MAC: Rachel Iaquaniello and Haley Stein. EMU also said goodbye to seniors Jenn Swartz and Joi McKenzie.
In her four years with the Eagles, Swartz set the record for number of sets played and leads the way for the team’s blocking efforts with a .80 average per set. McKenzie, who suffered injuries in each of her four years with the Eagles, had more of an impact off of the hardwood.
Moving forward, EMU has added four players to their roster.
Megan Crenshaw, the 6-foot-1 middle-hitter, was a four-year starter at Mattawan High School. From Saline High School comes 5-foot-4 setter/defensive specialist Natalie Folk.
Kelsey Jones was a three-sport standout at Reed City High School. The 6-foot-1 middle-blocker participated in basketball as well as track and field when volleyball was out of session. Lastly, Katie Krasowski, a 6-foot-1 middle-blocker, is coming from Marist High School.
Returning to the Eagles’ roster will be a host of outstanding players, featuring senior Ashley Mason, junior Iaquaniello, as well as sophomores Erin Short and Paige Roback.
The Eagles will open their 2011 season on August 26 against Notre Dame at the Notre Dame Invitational.
