The CCC Raiders have high expectations for the 2016 campaign. The squad returns with a strong nucleus of returning players, seven promising first year players and a number nine ranking to start out the season. Add to that a tough schedule that includes three top 20 teams and the Raiders will definitely have to get off to a hot start if they expect to return to the NJCAA national tournament.
“We are a top 10 volleyball program in [NJCAA] Division II and we want to continue to be in the top 10 and hopefully, we make a jump into the top five and the top three, said CCC head coach Mary Young, who is in her 22nd season of leading the program. “I think that we have some real good athletes, some young athletes that may take us to that point.”
Returning to anchor the offense is sophomore setter Riley Dorn, who led NJCAA Division II with 1,799 set assists and finished third in assists per set with 11.27. Young is particularly impressed that Dorn has come back to Columbus in greater condition, stronger and more confident.
“She really has a great ability to lead just at a greater level than she did as a freshman,” said Young. “That’s what we are going to need from Riley.”
The two other returning starters are outside hitter Keisha Ellwanger from Hastings and defensive specialist Sydney Yong, who played high school volleyball at Millard West in the Omaha area. As a part-time starter last season, Ellwanger recorded 214 kills in 2015 for an average of 2.1 per set. Young believes that Ellwanger will have a great year considering how she picked up a lot of momentum late in 2015 and because of the confidence she gained during strong workouts in the spring and summer.
Yong logged 467 digs during her freshman campaign and could be the starting libero this season.
There is a lot to be excited about when you look at the Raiders freshman recruits, which features a pair of all-state performers in Maeghan Pieper and Chainey Tompkin. Pieper played at Scotus Central Catholic High School in Columbus, while Tompkin played at Giltner High School, both of which traditionally feature strong volleyball programs. Young says it is absolutely a plus when she is able to sign all-state players.
“They maybe haven’t played at the speed of a college game, but they will adjust quicker because of their high school experience,” said Young.
The five other first year players are Amber Anderson (Omaha Benson), Lexi Holland (Freeman), Paxton Throne (Millard South), Jessica Eurek (Loup City) and Shae Voss (Shelby-Rising City).
“I think we have a really talented freshman class and they bring a little bit of everything,” said Young.
One of the abilities that Young is particularly interested in is the left-handed play of Paxton Throne.
“We haven’t had a lefty in our program for 3-4 years, so to add that dimension just gives you a different look,” said Young. “She might take a little pressure off Riley as our setter and I think that’s some great ammunition for us.”
The Raiders finished 31-15 in 2015 and capped it all off with a trip to the NJCAA national tournament in Phoenix. Young and her team would like to return and they expect that each season. However, the coach realizes there is a lot of work that has to be done before even thinking about the post-season.
“We always have a goal to win our region, then our district and then once we advance to the national tournament, we don’t stop with just getting there,” said Young. “We want that first match and then we go step by step, and that’s the plan.”