Changes sure to bolster volleyball

A shuffle, another shuffle, a slide and nine true freshmen later, head coach Suzie Fritz has stacked an attack-heavy volleyball team that will restore the terror in K-State's name nationwide. And this is after a relatively dry season last year—dry compared to Fritz's seven tournament appearances in nine years, that is.

My prediction for this season: a top-four ranking in the conference and a bid to the national tournament with at least second-round play. This year is especially auspicious, as the final rounds of the tournament are in Kansas City.

Of course, it all starts with the players.

As far as returners, the biggest news is sophomore Caitlyn Donahue's move from a back-row defensive specialist to a front-row setter after the team lost Soriano Pacheco due to that anomaly called graduation. Donahue, who spent a year in high school in her new position, has been praised by many inside the program as a smart player who can get to the ball quickly.

The team's exhibition scrimmage last week showed just that. With many new players in the back row who have yet to adjust fully to college play, Donahue received some less-than-ideal passes, the ball seemed to float right where it was needed. With close to a 30-inch vertical, Donahue easily paired with returning front-row star and sophomore Kathleen Ludwig for an unbeatable blocking duo.

Joining Donahue and Ludwig up front is redshirt freshman Kacia Turner in the middle blocker position. We did not get to see much from Turner last season, unfortunately, but this certainly will change.

Turner, who acts like she is 7 feet tall despite her recorded height of 6 feet tall, put away balls swing after swing at the scrimmage match. Keep your eyes focused on this rising athlete so as to not miss any action, but try to keep your jaw from dropping.

Turner's competition in the middle blocker position will be sophomore Alex Muff, who trained under the near-legend Kelsey Chipman. This is evidenced by Muff's skill at the slide—Chipman's forté—but she will also bring another tactic she improved since last season: the quick hit. Donahue and Muff seem to be one mind when they set up this sneaky attack, and it is sure to catch an unwitting defense off guard.

These players will undoubtedly bring a fresh look to the front row, as will the multitude of new faces. The back row has been shaken up, too, leading to a different dynamic.

I would go on for another column if I could, but for that, you'll just have to check back next week.