Volleyball Broncos invite public to 'meet the team'
Aug. 23, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University's volleyball Broncos will hold a "Brown and Gold" intra-squad scrimmage in University Arena Tuesday, Aug. 27, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The scrimmage is slated to last about one hour. A meet-the-team reception will follow the match. Both the scrimmage and reception are free and open to the public.
WMU's volleyball team kicked off its 2002 training camp Aug. 8 when veteran and first-year players reported to campus for the start of practice.
"With out a doubt this is the most exciting time of year," Bronco head coach Cathy George said. "We start the year with a great deal of enthusiasm and possibilities. We're very optimistic about this season and eager to get started."
George returns four starters from a 2001 team that was 15-11 overall and 10-8 in Mid-American Conference play. Returning for their senior seasons are All-MAC Second Team setter Ashley Ritter from Lockport, Ill.; middle blocker Angie Sillmon from Plymouth, Mich.; and outside hitter Amanda Fry from Saginaw, Mich.
Junior outside hitter Carman Malone of Muncie, Ind., led the team in kills as a sophomore and was voted 2002 co-captain along with Ritter.
George and her staff have added rookies Abby Gephart of St. Joseph, Mich., Schea Fissel of New Washington, Ohio, Shannon and Shaylen Jackson of Kalamazoo, and Katy Duffy of Bartlett, Ill.
Western Michigan opens the 2002 season Aug. 30 at the Colorado State Tournament in Fort Collins, Colo.
In their first home action of the year, the Broncos host Michigan State, Wright State and DePaul at the WMU Invitational Sept. 6-7.
Media contact: Geoff Brown, 269 387-4138, geoffrey.brown@wmich.edu