SEASON OUTLOOK
Despite an altered spring season, the Albion College volleyball team put together an impressive 7-3 record, claiming third place in the MIAA. Along the way, the Britons handed head coach Kristin Slamer-de St. Aubin her 100th career win by sweeping Adrian in the MIAA Quarterfinals. With just one key player missing from last year's squad, the Brits are poised for another successful season in one of DIII's toughest conferences.
Alumna Kristin Slamer-de St. Aubin will be on the sidelines for her 10th season. With 101 career wins, she is already the winningest coach in Albion history. She is joined on staff by assistant Keelin Severtson, entering her second season, and first year assistant, Megan Smith.
THE OFFENSE
Setter Grace VanDorn returns for her fifth season. A four-time All-MIAA selection, VanDorn is back to dish out the offense for the Britons. She currently ranks second all-time in assists (2,767) and is rapidly approaching the 1,000 career dig mark (985). A constant in the Albion lineup, VanDorn has a number of veterans on the net to spark the offense.
After earning First Team All-MIAA honors in the spring, middle blocker Chloe Webber is back to lead the Britons up front. In just 10 games, Webber slammed 125 kills while recording 31 total blocks. Despite the shortened season, she swung at an impressive .410 clip. She already has 140 total blocks, including a massive 89 in the 2019 campaign.
Three freshmen immediately burst onto the scene a season ago -- the first of those being Olivia Alexander. A six rotation player, Alexander tallied 71 kills and 47 digs in her freshman season. In just her second collegiate match, she recorded a double-double, knocking 12 kills and registering 11 digs against Adrian.
The second of the trio of impact freshmen is Kaylynne Nicholson. Nicholson broke onto the scene following a monster game in a thrilling five-set win over Alma, where she finished with 14 kills and 13 digs. Another six-rotation asset in Slamer-de St. Aubin's arsenal, Nicholson looks to build off a stellar freshman year.
Mariah Brenz rounds out the three sophomore returners with significant playing time in the spring. She dished up 161 assists during her freshman campaign. Brenz looks to build on a great first season, despite being limited to only 10 games.
THE DEFENSE
Senior Jenna Khoury will lead the back row with her third season donning the libero jersey. Standing at 787 career digs, Khoury has been a mainstay in Albion's defense. Not only will Khoury lead the back row, but she is a weapon from the service line. She enters this season with 64 service aces -- 39 of which came in 2019.
Senior Kameron Haley has also opted to use her extra year of eligibility -- giving the Britons plenty of experience in the back row. Transferring in before her junior season, Haley has made quite the impact for Albion. Already with over 260 digs, the veteran also has 50 service aces to her name in just 37 matches.
A setter turned defensive specialist, Ava Smith has thrived in her new role for the Britons. With the spring being Smith's first true test in the back row, she amassed 64 digs in the shortened season. Smith not only has nearly 300 career digs, but just over 400 assists and can step back in as a setter when needed.
the schedule
With a "normal" season on the horizon, Albion has a tough non-conference schedule to prepare them for the daunting MIAA slate. The Britons will square off against regional powerhouses, Wittenberg, Case Western Reserve and Wheaton. The season begins on Sep. 1 when the Britons travel to Anderson. Two days later, Albion will make the trek to Cleveland to participate in the CWRU Invitational.
Facing one of the toughest conferences in Division III, MIAA action kicks off on Sep. 21 at Kalamazoo. Albion's first home conference match is slated for Sep. 29 when the team hosts Hope College. Hope knocked the Brits into the consolation bracket in the spring MIAA Tournament, defeating them 3-0 in the semifinals.
