Landmark Conference 2024 VOLLEYBALL SEASON PREVIEW

2023 In Review

The top-ranked Juniata women’s volleyball team claimed their 42nd overall conference title and an incredible 16th straight Landmark Conference Championship, defeating the University of Scranton 3-1 (25-12, 25-13, 18-25, 25-15) in a packed Memorial Gymnasium.

The win marks the Eagles’ 29th victory of the season and secures their automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. It also extends their impressive winning streak to 56 matches, dating back to last season.

Olivia Foley earned MVP honors for the Landmark Championship, dishing out 36 assists, digging nine balls, and serving up an ace, all while leading the offense to a .301 hitting percentage.

Juniata Makes History...Again!

Winning a national championship is tough. Winning back-to-back titles? Almost impossible. But the Juniata College women's volleyball team did just that, sweeping Hope College 3-0 to clinch their second straight NCAA Division III Volleyball title and show the world that the Eagles are still the best in the country.

With 62 straight wins and 29 of those in straight sets, the Eagles’ perfect 35-0 record marks just the fourth flawless season in NCAA Division III women’s volleyball history. Juniata joins an elite group as one of only three schools to have won four DIII women’s volleyball national championships. They’re also the first team to go wire-to-wire as the AVCA Coaches Poll number one since Juniata’s 2006 championship team.

Remarkably, they didn’t drop a single match to five sets.

Juniata's roster is always packed with impressive stats. After missing their first-year season due to COVID-19, the senior and junior classes boast a combined 101-3 record. They’ve lost only 37 sets over three seasons and have remained undefeated in Memorial Gymnasium (50-0). The sophomores have finished each season with a national championship, and the first-years have yet to experience a single match loss.

Kiona Sky Rousset-Hernandez, Olivia Foley, and Lily Podolan made the NCAA Championship All-Tournament team, with Foley earning the title of Most Outstanding Player.

Catholic University

• Head Coach: Casey Burford (1st Season)
• 2023 Record: 20-12 (6-3 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 3rd

First-year head coach Casey Burford steps in to lead the Catholic University volleyball program. After a five-win improvement in 2023 and the team's first Landmark Conference Tournament appearance since 2018, the Cardinals are looking to build on that momentum.

Catholic will need to fill the shoes of Olivia Blondin and Halie Murphy. Blondin, a First Team All-Landmark selection, was the go-to hitter last season, racking up 483 kills. Murphy also made a big impact with 312 kills. The Cardinals will lean on Erin Faughnan and Grace Guerin this fall to fill the gaps. Faughnan, a Second Team All-Conference selection, had 217 kills as a junior and was a threat behind the service line with 20 aces. Guerin, who earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors in 2023, added 145 kills with a standout .325 hitting percentage, while also dominating the net with 95 total blocks (38 solo, 57 assists).

On the defensive side, graduate student Gaby Hernandez-Ferraiuoli returns to anchor the back row. She piled up 593 digs last season, averaging over five per set, and will be a key leader on the court.

The Cardinals open their season at the Margie Knight Classic in Salisbury, Md. They’ll face host Salisbury University on Friday, August 30, before taking on Swarthmore and Mount Aloysius on Saturday.

"I'm incredibly excited for this upcoming season! Our conference provides a fantastic chance to compete against some of the top teams in Division III. With our returning talent and the potential of our incoming class, we’re ready to step up and rise to the challenge. The team is energized and looking forward to what’s ahead." - Head Coach, Casey Burford

Drew University

• Head Coach: Amanda Rachwal (1st Season)
• 2023 Record: 9-19 (5-4 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 6th

The Drew University women's volleyball team is the youngest in the Landmark, only in its fourth year as an NCAA varsity sport - and will be led by first-year head coach, Amanda Rachwal. Rachwal inherits a Ranger squad that reached the Landmark Conference Championships for the first time in team history last season in just the third year of existence for Drew women's volleyball.

Leading the charge is outside hitter Teeya Desgoutte, who was a first-time All-Landmark selection last year, earning Honorable Mention recognition. Desgoutte enjoyed a stellar campaign in her first year as a primary starter. She led the team in kills with 3.60 per set, a mark that ranked third in the Landmark Conference. She was also third among the Rangers in both digs (2.91 dps) and service aces (0.38 aps) and posted 14 double-doubles in 2023.

Joining Desgoutte is a solid core of returners. Libero Lauren Gaza leads the defense with 6.30 digs per set, while middle blocker Marissa Guajardo anchors the front line, contributing 1.99 kills and 0.56 blocks per set. On the outside, Emily Shirk (1.93 kps, 3.01 dps) and opposite Abigail Pereira (1.81 kps) provide versatility and power. Defensive specialist Kiara Vasquez adds stability with 2.69 digs per set, and setter Alyssa Rachwal drives the offense, averaging 8.54 assists per set.

The Rangers kick off the year with the NYU Tournament on Aug. 30-31. The opening day of the event will take place at NYU, where the Rangers will take on Saint Joseph 's-Long Island. The remainder of the tournament will be hosted by Drew, with the first of four matches starting at 10 a.m. in Baldwin Gym.

“I'm looking forward to a new season with a new team who shares the same heart and love for the game of volleyball.” - Head Coach, Amanda Rachwal

ELIZABETHTOWN COLLEGE

• Head Coach: EJ Smith (2nd Season)
• 2023 Record: 17-11 (6-3 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 5th

Elizabethtown is gearing up for the 2024 season under second-year head coach EJ Smith, aiming to make their fifth straight appearance in the Landmark Conference Tournament. Last season, the Blue Jays reached the semifinals but fell short against the University of Scranton.

The team faces the challenge of replacing All-Conference Second Team selections Kambrie Hepler and Katie Scaggs. Scaggs was the offensive leader with 237 kills, a .295 hitting percentage, and 93 total blocks, while Hepler anchored the defense with 577 digs (5.89 d/s). However, Smith will rely on returning players Gracie Britten, Savannah Lesley, Emma Bitner, and Lucy Stern, all of whom played in 25 or more matches last season.

Lesley and Britten will power the offense, having combined for 361 kills last year. Bitner returns as the team’s setter, coming off a season where she tallied 608 assists (6.61 a/s) and 31 service aces. Stern adds defensive depth with 166 digs from last season.

Etown kicks off the 2024 season with away matches at Franklin & Marshall on Friday, August 30, followed by a tri-match at Arcadia and Eastern Mennonite on Saturday.

“Our coaching staff is looking forward to seeing the commitment to hard work the team put in during our Spring season pay off and adding a strong group of first year student-athletes that will make us a more competitive team.” - Head Coach, EJ Smith

GOUCHER COLLEGE

• Head Coach: Kate Lindholm (1st Season)
• 2023 Record: 3-21 (0-9 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 10th

The Goucher College volleyball program enters a new era in 2024 under first-year head coach Kate Lindholm. Leading a young and eager squad, Lindholm will guide a roster that includes one senior, two juniors, four sophomores, and six first-years ready to make an impact.

Key returners include junior Olivia DiBiasio and sophomores Imani Ward, Athena Savick, and Dakota Hawkins. Ward was the team’s top attacker last season with 102 kills, while DiBiasio added 71. Hawkins made her presence felt at the net with 21 blocks. On the defensive end, Savick returns as the team's defensive specialist, coming off a season where she recorded 222 digs.

The Gophers will kick off the 2024 season on the road with a tri-match at Keystone, where they'll face the Giants and Rutgers-Newark.

“I am excited to see the amount of growth in this team since the beginning of preseason. It has been a pleasure working with student-athletes who genuinely care about each other’s experience, while prioritizing discipline, commitment, and love for the sport.” - Head Coach, Kate Lindholm

JUNIATA COLLEGE

• Head Coach: Heather Pavlick (14th Season)
• 2023 Record: 35-0 (9-0 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 1st

Juniata College volleyball heads into the 2024 season not just with momentum, but with the weight of expectations. After a perfect 35-0 record in 2023 and an impressive 62-match winning streak, the Eagles are the team to beat. Their 2023 season was historic, marking just the fourth perfect season in NCAA Division III history.

This year, Juniata returns all the starters from their last two national championship teams, including AVCA Player of the Year and National Tournament MVP, setter Olivia Foley. Foley will once again be at the helm, orchestrating an offense that has proven nearly unstoppable.

Supporting Foley are Landmark Player of the Year Mackenzie Coley and Specialist of the Year Kiona Sky Rousset-Hernandez. Coley, a middle hitter, led the conference with a .388 hitting percentage and was second with 367 kills, while also adding 71 total blocks (19 solo, 52 assists).

Rousset-Hernandez was a defensive stalwart, averaging 4.98 digs per set for a season total of 473 and contributing 54 service aces, disrupting opponents from both the back row and the service line.

Adding depth, the Eagles also bring back Second Team All-Conference performers Kennedy Christy, Lily Podolan, Audrey Muth, and Courtney Williams, along with key contributors Sydney Ohl, Emily Sullivan, and Abbey Telesz.

As always, head coach Heather Pavlick and her staff have lined up a challenging nonconference slate to prepare the team for another title run. Juniata opens the season at Christopher Newport on August 30-31, where they’ll face tough competition from CNU, William Paterson, and Johns Hopkins.

LYCOMING COLLEGE

• Head Coach: Tim McMahon (24th Season)
• 2023 Record: 14-10 (2-7 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 8th

With a seasoned lineup featuring seven seniors, two juniors, and six sophomores, the Lycoming volleyball team is poised to build on last year's 14-10 record. Head coach Tim McMahon adds three first-year players to enhance the Warriors' depth and experience.

Defense remains a strong suit, anchored by senior libero Ali Koval, who recorded 487 digs and averaged 6.01 per set last season.

Offensively, outside hitter Brynne Bisel returns as a key contributor, leading the team with 190 kills, 27 service aces, and 14 assists. Middle hitter Cameron Upcraft also returns, having tallied 180 kills, a .272 hitting percentage, and a team-high 51 blocks.

The Warriors will kick off the season by hosting the Lycoming Tip-Off Classic from August 30-31. They will face Penn College and Hartwick on Friday, and take on Penn State - Mont Alto on Saturday.

“We’re looking forward to our second year in the Landmark Conference. We have one of the most experienced teams that we’ve had in my 24 years with the program and our upperclassmen have proven to be a scrappy group that make other teams earn every point. We also have some height coming in with our three first-year players that I am excited to see play collegiate volleyball.” – Head Coach Tim McMahon

MORAVIAN UNIVERSITY

• Head Coach: Shelley Bauder (32nd Season)
• 2023 Record: 10-15 (3-6 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 7th

The Greyhounds are gearing up for the 2024 season with 12 returners and three starters back on the court, aiming to secure their first Landmark Conference volleyball postseason appearance since 2017.

Leading the charge is senior outside hitter Jenna Deegan, who paced the team with 163 kills last season while contributing 41 digs and 33 blocks. Sophomore middle blocker Payton Reuber will also be a key player, having posted 155 kills, 29 digs, and 54 blocks last year.

Junior setter Ally Plitnick returns to guide the offense, having dished out 449 assists at an average of 5.48 per set. Plitnick also added 27 service aces and 213 digs, showcasing her versatility.

The Greyhounds will kick off their season by hosting Alvernia, Centenary (N.J.), Lancaster Bible, and Washington (Md.) in a tournament. They’ll face Lancaster Bible and Washington on August 30, followed by matchups against Alvernia and Centenary on August 31.

"With a blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent, this season’s volleyball team is set to make waves on the court. We’re eager to showcase our hard work and bring that fresh, Hound competitive spirit to every match." - Head Coach, Shelley Bauder

UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

• Head Coach: Jamie Spangler (11th Season)
• 2023 Record: 17-12 (8-1 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 2nd

The University of Scranton volleyball team is primed for another standout season, bringing back a wealth of talent and experience.

Senior outside hitters Erin Keaveney and Deanna Whelpley are back after earning AVCA All-American Honorable Mentions and spots on the AVCA All-Region First Team and All-Landmark First Team. Keaveney was a force at the net with 272 kills, a .294 hitting percentage, and 58 total blocks, while Whelpley led the team with 320 kills, adding 36 service aces and 228 digs.

Sophomore setter Cammi Quirk returns after an impressive freshman campaign that earned her Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year honors. Quirk dished out 617 assists and contributed defensively with 114 digs and 17 total blocks. Middle hitter Sophia Hadjiyane also returns, bringing her 137 kills, .279 hitting percentage, and 58 total blocks back to the lineup.

Defensively, junior Maddie Forry will anchor the back row after leading the team with 538 digs and adding 53 service aces.

The Royals will welcome Misericordia, Coast Guard, and New Paltz to the John Long Center August 30-31 for the annual Scranton Invite.

“I am very excited to see this group take the next step in their growth. We have an opportunity to be great with the talent in the gym,” - Head Coach Jamie Spangler.

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY

• Head Coach: Stephanie Johnson (1st Season)
• 2023 Record: 10-21 (5-4 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 4th

With interim head coach Stephanie Johnson at the helm, Susquehanna volleyball may have a new look, but the River Hawks are bringing back plenty of veteran leadership to keep their postseason streak alive. The 2024 roster features a strong mix of five seniors, four juniors, seven sophomores, and four first-years, providing a solid foundation of experience as they aim for another successful campaign.

Key returners include All-Conference Honorable Mentions Amanda Gore and Emily Kowalski. Gore posted an impressive .285 hitting percentage with 165 kills last season, while Kowalski averaged 3.05 kills per set, racking up a total of 268 kills.

The River Hawks will face tough competition right out of the gate, traveling to Gettysburg for the Gettysburg Battlefield Tournament. They’ll take on Wisconsin-Eau Claire and Eastern on Friday, August 30, followed by matches against Southern Virginia and Gettysburg on Saturday.

"I am super excited for this year. The team has been locked in from the beginning and they are ready to show the world who the Riverhawks are. We have a very experienced team and I believe this knowledge and wisdom will take us far this year." - Head Coach, Stephanie Johnson

WILKES UNIVERSITY

• Head Coach: Joseph Czopek (13th Season)
• 2023 Record: 10-20 (1-8 Landmark Conference)
• 2024 Projected Finish: 9th

As the Wilkes volleyball team gears up for its second season in the Landmark Conference, the Colonels are focused on building upon last year’s 10-20 record. With a blend of veteran leadership and proven talent, they’re poised to make strides in 2024.

The offensive charge will be led by seniors Alexa Cassel, Alexis Reedy, and Sierra Hines, who all played pivotal roles last season. Cassel, the team’s setter, averaged 6.80 assists per set, tallying 762 in total, which ranked her fourth in the conference. She was also a force from the service line, where her 61 aces were good for fourth in the league.

Reedy, Cassel’s primary target, led the team with 260 kills and 51 service aces, ranking eighth in the conference.

Hines added to the offensive firepower with 165 kills and an efficient .264 hitting percentage. Defensively, she was a standout at the net, finishing seventh in the conference with 68 blocks (9 solo, 59 assists).

Wilkes begins the 2024 season with four straight road games, starting with Keystone on Friday, August 30.

"The Colonels will be depending on the strength of its experience to lead us in competition with the small roster this season." - Head Coach, Joseph Czopek