The Eastern Michigan University volleyball team will try to build upon its success from last season.
The Eagles posted the largest turnaround season in program history as they improved from 5-28 (4-12 Mid-American Conference) in 2009 to go 24-11 (10-9 MAC) in 2010. The team’s biggest win came against Michigan State on Sept. 11, 2010, 3-2.
The season ended with a, 3-2, second-round MAC tournament loss to the Northern Illinois Huskies. At the end of their season, the Eagles had two players named First Team All-MAC, 5-foot-11 outside hitter Rachel Iaquaniello and 5-foot-6 libero 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 the court.
Moving forward, EMU has added four players. Including Megan Crenshaw, a 6-foot-1 middle hitter was a four-year starter at Mattawan High School, and 5-foot-4 setter/defensive specialist Natalie Folk is coming from Saline High School.
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 season.
Lastly, Katie Krasowski, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker is coming from Marist (Ill.) High School.
Those returning to the Eagles include, 5-foot-9 senior setter Ashley Mason, junior Iaquaniello as well as 6-foot sophomore outside hitter Erin Short and 6-foot sophomore outside hitter Paige Roback.
The Eagles will start their season at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 against Notre Dame at the Notre Dame Invitational.
