United States Coast Guard Academy - Department of Athletics - 2009 Season Preview

There will be not only be a new look, but a new attitude as half of Coast Guard’s roster is freshmen and not one player remains from the team that advanced to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament in 2006.

The Bears return just one player, who had more than 10 kills last season, sophomore outside hitter Nicole Johnson, but bring in a talented group of eight freshman, four of which are expected to start.

Johnson had a solid freshman season with 171 kills and will look to build upon that this season.

Coast Guard must replace All-America Nicole Gurr, the Bears all-time leader with 1,815 kills.

“We are young, but we have a very talented freshman class that bring new energy and enthusiasm to the program,” said third-year head coach Rob Mullowney.

Junior Jessica Anderson returns to anchor the defense at the starting libero spot after leading the team with 400 digs last season.

Junior co-captain Hillary Adams will start at one of the middle hitter spots after seeing action in just 10 games last season.

Freshmen Keriann Mason (OH), Lauren Bloch (RSH), Karen Matic (S) are expected to start for the Bears while the other middle hitter spot is wide open. Mason is a four-time All-state player from California and Bloch earned All-state honorable mention in Colorado.

Junior co-captain Ashley Bullard, a two-year setter, has embraced the move to a more defensive role this season.

The Bears were 14-16 overall and 5-4 in NEWMAC play last season. The team did go a perfect 13-0 at home and are 26-2 at home over the past two seasons.

“We hope to keep our streak of playing well at home going and also play better on the road and get back to postseason play this season,” said Mullowney. “These players were not around for the Elite 8 run in 2006, so they are hungry to reestablish Coast Guard as a regional power.”