Volleyball
2009 Season Preview Release

The 2009 volleyball season looks to be another exciting one for Maine Maritime Academy. The team is coming off a highly successful 2008 campaign which saw them repeat as North Atlantic Conference champions and return to the NCAA Division III National Tournament. The team broke several school records and also received numerous individual honors. Aside from their success on the volleyball court the team continued its impressive academic record by achieving a 3.21 team GPA. Senior captain Nicole St. Pierre
(Baileyville, ME) was honored as a NAC Academic All-Star, an ESPN Co-SIDA Academic All American, was the class of 2009 Co-Valedvictorian, and was the NAC representative for the NCAA Woman of the Year. Also graduating was Kristi Gordon (Auburn, ME) who was selected to the NAC All-Tournament Team.

The Lady Mariners will be led by Amy Young (Cumberland, ME) who was the 2008 NAC Player of the Year. The middle hitter had a stellar year for MMA, leading them in virtually all offensive categories. Young was named the tournament MVP for her efforts in helping MMA defend the NAC title. "We will count on Amy's volleyball abilities and leadership to bring this squad together. Amy is an exciting player and a fierce competitor. She knows how to win and helps make the players around her better," reports Coach Dagan. Classmate Katherine McMillan (Belfast, ME) will return to the back row for MMA. McMillan has improved each season and is a solid passer and server. "Katherine has worked hard to improve and contribute to our team's success. She is a great student and we will need
her experience and leadership this year."

Juniors include Stephanie DeHaven (Reistertown, MD) Jaymie Frederick (Epping, NH) and Ashley Tilton (Lubec, ME). DeHaven is capable of playing multiple positions and has worked hard to become an effective hitter. Frederick will compete for time at the opposite hitter spot while Tilton is returning from surgery which caused her to miss the 2008 season. "Steph has become a solid player for us and we have gained a lot of confidence in her. Jaymie continues to improve each year and we will ask
her to expand her role for us this year. We are all excited to get Ashley back on the court. She is an all-around player who will continue to improve and get stronger as the season progresses," reports Coach Dagan.

The sophomore class includes returning starters, Lauren Sakahara (Bellevue, WA), Heather Moore (Macedon, NY) and Kayley Rodriguez (Illinois), as well as KC Anderson (Sullivan, ME) and Ashley Blanchette (Nashua, NH). Sakahara, a defensive specialist, had a strong rookie campaign as she broke the single season dig record (507 ) and was named Second Team All-Conference. Moore recorded 555 assists and led the team, along with Rodriguez, with 54 aces. Rodriguez is an all-around player who can play every position on the court effectively. She led the team in aces per game. Anderson is an aggressive back row player while Blanchette saw time in the front row last season.

Newcomers include Jenna King(Old Town, ME) , Chelsea Ward (Homer, AK), Katherine Flaherty (Woodbine, MD) and Jennifer Dixon (Woodstock, MD). King is new to the volleyball program and brings enthusiasm and energy for the game. Ward, a transfer from University of New Haven, is a talented all-around player who will help bolster the offense. Flaherty will compete for time in the back row while Dixon is a multi-talented player who will compete for time immediately. "I am excited to begin the 2009 season," reports Coach Dagan. "The players have high expectations and have worked hard to prepare for this year. We hope to continue our great fan support and bring some excitement to Margaret Smith Gymnasuim this fall."
MMA Athletics • Pleasant Street • Castine, ME 04420 • (207) 326-2450