Volleyball practice underway, Oddy, Knight named co-captains
August 14, 2012
Jamie Foland
474-6807
Fairbanks, Alaska – The Alaska women's volleyball team is in full swing as preseason practice opened up on Monday at the Patty Center.
Shoemaker post-practice interview
Oddy & Knight post-practice interview
Photo gallery
Camp got underway in the morning hours with the team's physical fitness testing. The spikers were tested on their vertical jumps, agility, quickness, reaction and strength through various activities. They also participated in various drills during the afternoon to wrap up the first day of the preseason.
“I was impressed with the athleticism,” head coach Phil Shoemaker said. “They're very excited and energetic, kind of like young colts in the gym. There was a lot of good stuff and plenty to work with.”
He added, “We're going to learn a lot and I think we're going to learn quickly. I expect we'll see improvement on a daily basis as they learn new skills and learn their roles. It's an exciting group, a young group and I think they're going to move along quickly.”
Seven returners, including four letter winners, welcomed in the six newcomers to this year's squad. Of the returners, senior libero Allison Oddy (Chilliwack, British Columbia/Highroad Academy) and junior outside hitter Keri Knight (Arvada, Colo./Ralston Valley) were named co-captains by their teammates for the 2012 campaign.
Oddy, who was the team's Most Valuable Player in 2011, led the team in digs (378) and digs per set (4.45 dps). Her digs per set average ranked sixth in the conference. She had five matches with 25 or more digs, which included a tie for her career-best of 34 digs last October. Following the season she was named to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.
“It means a lot, my senior being captain of the team,” Oddy said. “I want to change our streak, I want to win and I'm willing to push the girls however hard I think we need to be pushed.”
Knight, who was the recipient of the team's Unsung Hero Award a year ago, tied for a team-best 214 kills and led the Nanooks and ranked 18th in the GNAC with 2.33 kills per set. She was also second in hitting percentage (.124) and tallied nine double-digit kill matches, including a career-high 15 last October. Knight was also named to the GNAC All-Academic Team following the season.
“It was a great honor being named captain,” Knight said. “We have a lot of great leaders on the team. I feel Ally and I are going to do well together because we're a good pair. We have a lot of new girls so I'm excited to be there for them when they're experiencing college for the first time because it is a big thing.”
The Nanooks will be on court tomorrow for day two of camp.