With the 2023 season in the rearview mirror, the Indiana University Northwest volleyball team is gearing up for the 2024 campaign with the optimism to make noise in the CCAC this year.
Welcome everybody
The RedHawks welcome six newcomers to the court this fall, with five freshmen and a senior transfer. Eva Everett, Julianna Kisel, Trinitie Lintner, Kylie McCabe, Kaelan Murphy and Julianna Kisel are the freshmen, while Josephine Mulligan comes to IUN from Keiser University.
“We have a very talented freshmen class coming in, that adds depth to our roster,” head coach Alondra Avalos said. “They have a great skill set, and the group is already making a big impact on our program.”
Last season, the RedHawks missed having a primary setter, but got a combined 718 assists from Erica Packwood and Chloe Roberts that helped fill the void. Mulligan is looking to take command of that position this fall after picking up nearly 1,000 assists in her previous three seasons.
“A year ago, our missing piece was a setter, and we are very excited to have Josephine Mulligan join us,” Avalos said. “She is a solid addition that loves to compete and will be a threat on the court both offensively and defensively.”
Veteran leadership
This fall, IUN has nine seniors that includes Jaelyn Donald, Karly Jevert, Mackenzie Henderson, Mulligan, Erica Packwood, Daija Pellot, Julianna Picicco, Chloe Roberts and Briah Strezo.
To go along with the senior class, two sophomores also make a return this fall, Baileigh Uporsky and Marissa Gutierrez. Uporsky is looking to continue impact the play at the net, while Gutierrez will get playing time on the back row.
Packwood and Strezo were both named second team all-conference last season, while Roberts became just the fourth RedHawk to pick up 1,000 digs in a career. Roberts should finish her career with the second most digs in program history.
“Our group of returners are strong and very eager for the season to begin,” Avalos said. “We have both of our all-conference players returning for their last season as well as defensive staples Chloe Robertsm Karly Jevert and Baileigh Uporsky.”
First Serve
The regular season begins Aug. 16 at the Racer Yellow Jacket Classic in Defiance and Lima, Ohio. The first home game for the RedHawks is Sept. 12 when CCAC foe St. Francis comes to the Savannah Center for a 7 p.m. first serve.
“We are all really excited for the 2024 season, and it is going to be a very fun and competitive year for us,” Avalos said.
