Volleyball Q&A Preview Series: Outside Hitters
Aug 10, 2015 | Volleyball
OMAHA, Neb. -- With the start of the 2015 volleyball season less than three weeks away, head coach Rose Shires is in the midst of a four-part Q&A series on OMavs.com to provide an outlook of her team as it prepares for its first Division I year with full NCAA postseason eligibility. This week, Shires previews the Mavericks' outside hitters.
OMavs.com: What roles do outside hitters take on at UNO?
Shires: "The outsides in our program are the 'go-to' players who get the ball in and out of system. These players should be steady point-scorers and have the capability of scoring when everyone knows the ball is going to her and opponents almost always put up two blockers against her. The outside hitter needs to be a master of many skills: passing, defense, serving, blocking and attacking in pressure situations."
OMavs.com: Heading into the season, what's your outlook for each outside on the roster?
Shires: "Kelley Wollak is dynamic, high-energy and a team leader. Kelley has become a true six-rotation player. She is a go-to hitter, understands her situation and knows when and how to put the ball away. Kelley has a great volleyball IQ and can be a standout consistent player.
"Mackenzie Horkey is a big player who always seems to come through in the clutch. She is effective as a leftside blocker. Mackenzie has become one of our best passers and plays at a very high level in all of her skills.
"Gessica Gdowski is a freshman from Fremont who really has the ability to control a match. She hits high and has a variety of shots. Gess is an outstanding passer who will immediately challenge for court time.
"And finally, Elise Brown is strong, athletic and playing at a very high level. She's playing with confidence and determination. Her net game is strong, and she possesses the ability to see the block and make great decisions as an attacker. Elise has a great presence above the net."
Check OMavs.com next week for part three of Coach Shires' preseason preview Q&A series, covering Omaha's defenders. The Mavericks host their annual Black/White Scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 22 and officially open the 2015 season Friday, Aug. 28 at the UNLV Invitational in Las Vegas, Nev.
2015 PRESEASON VOLLEYBALL Q&A SCHEDULE
Week 1 – Setters/Rightside Hitters
Week 2 -- Outside Hitters
Week 3 – Defenders
Week 4 -- Middle Blockers
OMavs.com: What roles do outside hitters take on at UNO?
Shires: "The outsides in our program are the 'go-to' players who get the ball in and out of system. These players should be steady point-scorers and have the capability of scoring when everyone knows the ball is going to her and opponents almost always put up two blockers against her. The outside hitter needs to be a master of many skills: passing, defense, serving, blocking and attacking in pressure situations."
OMavs.com: Heading into the season, what's your outlook for each outside on the roster?
Shires: "Kelley Wollak is dynamic, high-energy and a team leader. Kelley has become a true six-rotation player. She is a go-to hitter, understands her situation and knows when and how to put the ball away. Kelley has a great volleyball IQ and can be a standout consistent player.
"Mackenzie Horkey is a big player who always seems to come through in the clutch. She is effective as a leftside blocker. Mackenzie has become one of our best passers and plays at a very high level in all of her skills.
"Gessica Gdowski is a freshman from Fremont who really has the ability to control a match. She hits high and has a variety of shots. Gess is an outstanding passer who will immediately challenge for court time.
"And finally, Elise Brown is strong, athletic and playing at a very high level. She's playing with confidence and determination. Her net game is strong, and she possesses the ability to see the block and make great decisions as an attacker. Elise has a great presence above the net."
Check OMavs.com next week for part three of Coach Shires' preseason preview Q&A series, covering Omaha's defenders. The Mavericks host their annual Black/White Scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 22 and officially open the 2015 season Friday, Aug. 28 at the UNLV Invitational in Las Vegas, Nev.
2015 PRESEASON VOLLEYBALL Q&A SCHEDULE
Week 1 – Setters/Rightside Hitters
Week 2 -- Outside Hitters
Week 3 – Defenders
Week 4 -- Middle Blockers
Players Mentioned
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/ VolleyballTuesday, September 01
Wednesday, August 26
Friday, August 21
Tuesday, April 21
