2007 Preview: UC Clermont College Cougars Volleyball Team Looks to Repeat Success

The UC Clermont College Women’s Volleyball team opens its season at home on August 30 at 7 p.m. -- looking to build upon the success of the previous year.  The 2006 team squad finished fifth in the nation in United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) rankings and experienced their first-ever trip to the national championship tournament.  The Cougars also won their third consecutive Ohio Regional Campus Conference (ORCC) West Division championship. 
 
“This year’s team should again be very competitive for a fourth ORCC crown and looks to return to Fort Wayne for the national tournament,” said Head Coach Joe Harpring.
 
Clermont College returns a strong core of veteran players.  They are led by senior defensive specialist Amanda Sevier (Glen Este) – a 2005 first team all-conference selection.  Junior libero Lauren Biel (Lakota West) – a 2006 first team all-conference honoree and junior outside hitter Katie Brooks (Western Brown) – a 2004 Ohio Regional Campus all-tournament team member provide valuable experience.  The 2006 ORCC MVP Kelley Koons (a sophomore middle hitter from Miamisburg) and setter Julia Schulte (a sophomore from Anderson) will collaborate to create a potent offense.  Sophomore defensive specialist Desi Ingels (Western Brown) returns after a “redshirt” year in 2006 and brings a level of passing ability which earned her selection to a Cincinnati high school all-star game.
 
Due to the Cougars success in 2006, Harpring was able to recruit an exceptional freshman class.  “We added the height we need to compete at the national level,” said Harpring.  The new Cougars include 6’ middle hitter Lynn Abbinante (Western Brown) – a first team all-city and all-Southern Buckeye Conference (SBC) selection and 5’8” outside hitter Jaci Stewart (Blanchester) – also a first team all-SBC and honorable mention all-city player.  Jaimie Martin, a 5’10” middle/outside hitter (Turpin) earned first team Fort Ancient Valley Conference (FAVC) and honorable mention all-city accolades and 5’11” outside hitter Denay Detherage (Lakota West) was a member of two Ohio state tournament “Sweet 16” teams while garnering her high school’s MVP award. 

The Cougars face a strong schedule designed to prepare the team for the post-season.  The slate of games features a first ever home match against an NCAA school – Division II Kentucky State University.  Clermont College will also play Division III neighbor Wilmington College as well as schools from the NAIA, USCAA and NCCAA.

Another highlight is that Clermont College will be hosting the second annual Cougar Classic tri-match held on campus - Saturday, September 15.  Cougar Classic opponents include NAIA Division II Indiana University-East and USCAA rival Ohio State University-Marion.  “This schedule will truly be a test for the team – especially the freshmen,” says Coach Harpring. 

“The level of competition we will see should help us be ready for tournament play in October.  We look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to bring exciting volleyball to our fans in the ‘Cougardome,’” Harpring added.

The opening game on August 30 will be against Southern State Community College – in the Student Activities Center located on UC Clermont College’s campus in Batavia.