Volleyball places 3rd in region, set for next year

Tigers finish 19th in NAIA

Ashlee Adkisson
Staff Writer
Dec. 2, 2004, Page 6

The Doane Tiger volleyball team finished another successful season, beating Hastings College to place third in the November 20th NAIA Region IV Tournament.
"It was another super season for the Doane Tigers," said Head Coach Cindy Meyer.
The Tigers finished the year with a 25-9 record and ranked 19th in the NAIA, just one place away from qualifying for Nationals for the second year in a row.
"This shows that we are right there competitively," Meyer said. "It's always dissappointing when you have a very competitive team with a great attitude. You want to see them go on to Nationals."
Kirby Schmidt, a junior, and Sherise Wichmann, a senior, led the team in kills this year averaging 3.58 and 3.25 a game respectively. Leading the team in assists was Rachel Hagerman, a sophomore, with 12.07 a game. Ashley Fitzgerald, a senior, led the team in digs averaging 6.94 a game.
Many honors were awarded to several players throughout the season, including Fitzgerald and Hagerman being named First Team All-Region IV. Fitzgerald and Hagerman also picked up First Team GPAC honors. Schmidt and Wichmann were named to the Second Team GPAC. Libero Gail Klitz was also named to the Honorable Mention list in her first season at the position. Hagerman was also named NAIA National Setter-of-the-Week on October 5th.
Four starters will be returning next year, including libero Gail Klitz, setter Rachel Hagerman, and hitters Allison Weaver and Kirby Schmidt.
Fitzgerald has a lot confidence in next year's team. "The freshman class this year was also very talented and next year they will have a year of experience under their belt." Fitzgerald said.
"Doane volleyball will be right at the top again next year," Meyer said.