8.24.08 - SPARTANS BEGIN 2008 SEASON FRIDAY AT KALAMAZOO
The Manchester College Volleyball Program is ready for another exciting season in 2008.  After completing the best season in ten years and finishing 3rd in the HCAC, the future is bright for the Spartans.
The team returns eight players that saw significant playing time during the 2008 season.  Among those are seniors Tiffany Moore,  Stephanie Rion and Rebecca Varnes.  Moore who made the transition to the libero position in 2007 will again lead the defensive floor for the Spartans.  The co-captain who played in every game last year averaged 5.1 digs per game.  Rion, another captain, brings her experience back to the outside position.  She averaged 2.9 kills and 3.9 digs per game in an injury-plagued season.  Varnes who saw time in both the middle and opposite positions brings her quiet persistence back to the floor.
2007 HCAC Freshman of the Year Lauren Nash returns to lead the offense of the Spartans.  The setter finished the season with 1,277 assists.  Christa Peden, a 2nd team All HCAC selection, returns to control the net.  Peden averaged 3 kills and 1 block per game in 2007. Also returning are sophomores Danielle Blevins, Karla Conrad and Sheena Steely. 
A strong core of freshman enter the 2008 season eager to contribute to the winning ways of the Spartans.  The class brings strong academic and volleyball backgrounds to the program.  The group brings high school conference titles, club volleyball team national experiences  and numerous individual awards with them.  Bringing height to the front line and competing for time on the offensive side of things for the Spartans will be Amanda chamberlin, Amanda Dickman, Kristi Staton and Whitney Piatt.  Providing help in the setting and defensive sides of things is Sarah Lauinger.
The 2008 Spartans open the season August 29-30 at the Kalamazoo College Tournament in Michigan.

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