Post by speegs13 on Dec 22, 2019 16:09:16 GMT -5
Mountain West Conference – 2020
I thought I would go ahead and create a thread compiling everything for the Mountain West conference for the 2020 season.
Quick recap of 2019: Colorado State won their ninth conference title in ten years, but it didn’t come as easily as it has in previous years. CSU’s senior-laden and experienced squad ravaged through the conference undefeated, but there were a few scares along the way. The big challengers came from an improving and always gritty Wyoming squad. Youth was a big theme for the conference in 2019, as most teams were playing plenty of sophomores and juniors in their line ups.
Four teams were post-season bound - one NCAA (Colorado State), and three NIVC (Wyoming, Boise State, and UNLV). Results were...underwhelming. CSU lost in the first round to an SEC team for the third time in four years, Boise State and Wyoming got knocked out by Weber State in the first and second rounds, respectively, and UNLV fell to NIVC runner-up South Dakota in the second round.
2020 in my opinion is wide open – the widest it has been in years. Two coaching changes at San Diego State and Utah State headline the conference. Really liking the new wave of coaches that are coming in and can hopefully make the conference better a whole. CSU graduates most of their offense, but always finds a way to reload. Wyoming returns nearly their entire line up from a team that placed second in the conference at 16-2. UNLV and Boise will challenge, and San Diego State could surprise with the right coaching change.
For this thread, I will go through each team, noting who they lose to graduation/transfers, who they bring in, last year’s record/conference place, and some general thoughts on the team.
(*Denotes departing starter)
**Will update links to 2020 rosters and schedules as they become available**
Air Force
2019 Record: 8-22 (5-13 MW, 10th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters/Key Players:
Alex King, SR, 5’5”, DS/L
Bailey Keith, JR, 6’1”, OH
Andi Ahlers, SR, 5’9”, S
Vittoria Juarez, JR, 6’1”, OH/RS
Cambria Galloway, SR, 5’10”, RS
Taleah Cooper, SO, 5’10”, MB/OPP
Jordan Daniels, SR, 5’7”, DS/L
Losses:
Denise Ssozi, SR, 5’8”, OH*
Incoming Players:
Maddie Felker, FR, 5'5", L/DS
Taylor Raoila, FR, 6'0", OH
Allie Griffith, FR, 5'5", L/DS
Carolina Reinkensmeyer, FR, 5'11", S
Gabby Wilson, FR, 5'10", OH
2020 Preview:
Air Force spent a lot of 2019 dealing with injuries, leading to a carousel of hitters throughout the season, switching between 6-2 and 5-1. Air Force only loses one player, Denise Ssouzi (HM All-Conference), but she put up good numbers for the Falcons. Production will have to be done by committee, but the Falcons should have a good core of players returning. What Air Force lacks in size, they make up for in scrappy defense.
Boise State
2019 Record: 18-12 (10-8 MW, 4th place)
Postseason: NIVC 1st Round (Loss against Weber State 1-3)
Returning Key Players/Starters:
Lauren Ohlinger, SO, 6’3”, OH
Danielle Boss, JR, 5’9”, S
Jessica Donahue, JR, 6’3”, MB
Allison Casillas, SO, 5’8”, L
Shea Duffy, JR, 6’2”, OH
Jordi Holdaway, SO, 5’7”, DS
Alyssa Wissinger, R-SO, 6’2”, MB
Losses:
Janell Walley, SR, 5’11”, OPP*
Cassedi Simon, SR, 5’9”, S
Celine Christensen, SR, 6’3” MB
Incoming Players:
Ashley Hayden, FR, 5’10”, S
Chey Jones, FR, 6’4”, OH
Jolie Akima, FR, 5'6", DS/L
Kayly Pau, FR, 6'4", OH
2020 Preview:
Boise was young, very young, in 2019. Main rotation was primarily freshman and sophomores, with only one senior on next year’s roster (Kiley Lewis, who played sparingly at RS for an injured Janelle Walley).
Boise has an excellent block, with four of their five hitters from last year standing at 6’2” or taller – that might put them at the tallest team in the conference. Where I think they struggled though is first contact and terminating the ball. Janelle Walley was excellent at both of those aspects, so replacing her contributions will be a challenge. I think Kiley Lewis (6’2”, SR) gets the initial nod to replace Walley on the right.
Lineup should be Ohlinger (six-rotations) and Duffey on the outside, Donahue and Wissinger in the middle, Lewis on the right, Boss setting, and Casiallas at libero.
Future for the Broncos looks bright though, they will challenge for the MW title this year, but the main question will be can they pass well enough and put the ball away to contend.
Colorado State
2019 Record: 29-2 (18-0 MW, 1st place)
Postseason: Yes – NCAA 1st round (lost to South Carolina 2-3)
Returning Key Players/Starters:
Alexa Roumeliotis, SR, 5’7”, L
Breana Runnels, R-SR, 5’10”, OH
Alyssa Bert, SO, 5’10”, DS
Brooke Hudson, SO, 5’3”, DS
Sasha Colombo, JR, 6’2”, MB/OPP
Losses:
Kirstie Hillyer, R-SR, 6’6”, MB*
Jessica Jackson, R-SR, 5’11”, OH*
Olivia Nicholson, SR, 6’0”, OH/RS*
Katie Oleksak, SR, 5’10”, S*
Paulina Hougaard-Jensen, SR, 6’1”, MB*
Incoming Players:
Ruby Kayser, FR, 5’8”, DS/L
Naeemah Weathers, FR, 6’1”, MB
Barrett Power, FR, 5’8”, S
Helena Perez, FR, 5’6”, DS/L
Alyssa Groves, FR, 6’4”, OPP
Karina Leber, FR, 6’3”, MB
Genesis Sheridan, JR, 6’1” MB (transfer from Iowa Western CC)
Kennedy Stanford, FR, 5’10”, OH
2020 Preview:
Bitter end to the season for the Rams. Up 13-8 in the fifth set, but unable to close is inexcusable for a team this experienced. However, the product as a whole was something special. Set program records in winning percentage and win streaks, so still a memorable season for these seniors.
Challenges right away is CSU losing most of their offense and blocking. Setting and both middles will be pretty green next year after graduating four-year starters in these three positions. However, the majority of the backrow returns, and the cupboard isn’t bare for CSU in terms of hitters.
Ciera Zimmerman (6’0” R-SO) will set, that’s a given. I think Jacqi Van Liefde (6’0”, R-SO) will slide into the other OH position behind Runnels. Middles and RS will be interesting, and I think we will see various combinations in the non-conference. Colombo can play either spot, but I think she’ll start in the middle, with senior Ellie Gubser (6’4”, SR) on the right. The other middle spot is up in the air. Genesis Sheridan comes in from Iowa Western CC (where she was a 1st Team All-American) for the experience, but there’s also incoming Karina Leber, an Under Armor HM All-American, who can challenge for the spot.
Backrow will be fine – Roumeliotis is a lock for libero, Runnels will be a six-rotation player again, Hudson will continue to DS for the other OH, and Bert should be promoted from serving sub to DS for the opposite.
Fresno State
2019 Record: 14-16 (7-11 MW, 7th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Reagan Leonard, SR, 5’7”, L
Jocelyn Rodriguez, SR, 5’7”, DS
Grace Doyle, SO, 6’1”, MB
Amilya Thompson, SR, 5’10”, OH
Desiree Sukhov, SR, 5’11” OH
Amaria Kelly, SO, 6’4”, OH/RS
Losses:
Madelyn Halteman, SR, 5’10”, S*
McKenzie Kramer, SR, 6’1”, MB*
Montez Uigaese, SR, 6’2”, MB/OPP
Incoming Players:
Brooklyn Lopez, FR, 6’2”, OH
Kasey Purry, FR, 6’3”, MB
2020 Preview:
Fresno was another team dealing with injuries throughout the season. MW Newcomer of the Year, Desiree Sukhov, missed a few matches in the season, and her loss was felt for a team trying to find a new identity after graduating a large senior class the year before. This was a good ball control team with studs at the libero (Leonard) and setting (Halteman) positions.
Regan Leonard returns for her senior season, but Fresno must find a replacement for graduating Madelyn Halteman. Mikalya Weiss (5’10”, SO) is the front runner to me, as she helped Halteman when Fresno sometimes played a 6-2. Another option could be Julia Handy (5’9”, R-SO), who can either set, hit, or play backrow.
Hitters should be improved, Sukhov returns for her senior season after being second in points per set in the conference. Amilya Kelly is an emerging star who started about halfway through the conference play – she will be giving teams headaches in the future, as she can play either pin. Middles will be young next year.
Nevada – Reno
2019 Record: 17-13 (7-11 MW, 6thth place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Kayla Afoa, SR, 5’9”, OH
Sydney Petersen, SO, 6’1”, MB
Kassie McGill, SR, 6’1”, RS
Brianna Souza, R-SR, 5’11”, MB
Kaila Spevak, 5’8”, JR, DS/L
Kili Robins, JR, 6’0”, OH
Losses:
Camryn Rocha, SR, 6’1”, OH
Ryan Blackwood, SR, 5’2”, DS/L*
Dalyn Burns, SR, 5’8”, S*
Incoming Players:
Alyssa Zuro, FR, 6’1”, OH/MB
Reka Monteleone, FR, 6’0”, OH
Lexi Applebach, FR, 5'7", DS/L
2020 Preview:
Nevada was the most improved team from 2018 to 2019. Went from last place and one conference win, to seven conference wins and sixth place. The pieces are there, to build on that success, but their first order of business is replacing starting setter Dalyn Burns to graduation. Andrea Alcaraz (5’8”, SO) is the only other setter listed on the roster, and as of now, there is not incoming setter, so she is the most likely candidate to replace her.
Nevada’s strengths as a team are their serving and “lightning-fast” offense, but in order to run that offense, their passing needs to be on point. However, their passing was ultimately their downfall, and what lead to what was a bit on an inconsistent season.
Like I said, the pieces are their offensively, Wolfpack just need to find a starter at the setting position, and I think we can expect an upward trajectory for Nevada.
Nevada – Las Vegas
2019 Record: 20-11 (15-3 MW, 3rd place)
Postseason: Yes – NIVC second round (loss against South Dakota (1-3)
Returning Key Players/Starters:
Kate Brennan, JR, 6’2”, MB
Lauren Burt, JR, 5’8”, S
Shelby Capllonch, SO, 5’8” OH
Allison French, SR, 6’0”, OH
Erin Davis, SR, 5’11”, RS
Macy Smith, SR, 6’0”, MB
Mariena Hayden, SR, 6’0”, OH
Paris Olivera, SO, 5’6”, L/DS
Thea Sweder, SR, 5’10”, OH
Losses:
Antonette Rolda, SR, 5’7”, S*
Incoming Players:
Arien Fafard, FR, 5’7”, S
Trinity Sheridan, FR, 5’11”, RS
Gabrielle Arretche-Ramos, FR, 6’2”, OH/MB
Gabriella Rawson, FR, 5’5”, L/DS
Carlee Cannella, FR, 5'5", L/DS
Cassidy Nelson, JR, 6'0", OH (transfer from Laramie County CC)
2020 Preview:
I think UNLV is primed for a decent 2020 season. Rebels lose one of their setters in their 6-2, but return all of their hitters. UNLV had some bumps in the non-conference with Mariena Hayden missing a few matches due to injury, but managed to place third in the conference. Now, one could argue that was due to the scheduling quick of only playing CSU and Wyoming once, but I still think they were the third best time in the conference regardless.
Hayden is a one-woman wrecking crew from anywhere on the court. Her and Capllonch on the left are perhaps the best tandem of outsides in the conference next year. They’re both smart players and are double-double machines playing six-rotations. I think their middles and right sides are decent, but the two outsides are where most of the offense will come from.
Rebels should challenge for the MW title. I like the experience and senior leadership they will have. If UNLV can figure out their scheduling in the non-conference (aka not garbage), they could be bubble team for the NCAA next year.
New Mexico
2019 Record: 11-19 (6-12 MW, 8th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Alena Moldan, SO, 5’7”, L
Yasmin Tan, SR, 5’11”, MB
Jaclyn Inclan, R-JR, 5’10”, S
Kaitlynn Biassou, SO, 5’9”, OH
Rachel Murphy, JR, 6’0”, MB
Losses:
Tai Bierria, SR, 6’0”, OH*
Maddie Freiwald, GR, 6’0”, S
Lauren Twitty, SR, 6’1”, OH*
Incoming Players:
Kali Wolf, FR, 6’2” OH
Avital Jaloba, JR, 6'2", MB (transfer from Arizona State)
Milica Djukic, JR, 6'0", MB (transfer from Colby CC)
Hayley Torres, JR, 5'8", OH/DS (transfer from MiraCosta College)
Tori Tua, FR, 6'5", OH
2020 Preview:
First season is in the books for Jon Newman-Gonchar, and it went about as well as predicted. However, I do like what he’s doing (as well as the other new coaches in the conference), so I think we should see some upward trajectory in the future for the Lobos!
Gone are the two six-rotation outsides, Bierria and Twitty, as well as one of the setters in the 6-2 in Freiwald. First concern should be finding a player to play all around. Nicolette Clark (6’0”, SR) could help, she only played in seven matches before sustaining an injury. Incoming freshman Kali Wolf could also help fill the void as well.
Players for me to watch next year are international players in Uxue Guereca (5’7”, SO, OH, Mexico), Yamelis Mojica (6’2”, SO, OH/MB, Puerto Rico), and Fanny Skogsfors (6’2”, SO, MB, Sweden) who all played for their respective national teams. I think they could bring some much needed fire power for the Lobos next season.
San Diego State
2019 Record: 15-14 (8-10 MW, 5th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters/Key Players:
Loren Teter, R-SR, 5’7”, DS
Victoria O’Sullivan, JR, 6’0”, OH
Camryn Machado, R-JR, 5’9”, S
Sam McGrath, R-SR, 5’4”, DS/L
Lauren Lee, SR, 5’0”, DS/L
Erin Gillcrist, SR, 6’1”, MB
Andrea Walker, R-JR, 6’0”, MB
Losses:
Hannah Turnlund, SR, 5’11”, OH*
Tamia Reeves, SR, 6’1”, MB*
Deitre Collins-Parker, Head Coach
Incoming Players:
Aziah Buckner, FR, 5’11”, OH
2020 Preview:
Big news is that Deitre Collins-Parker is no longer at the helm of the Aztec program. No word on the replacement as of yet, but for now this analysis assumes everyone on the current roster stays.
I’ve always felt that San Diego State has underachieved every season. They have the athletes to compete with the top of the league, and even contend for a NCAA bid, but now we will have to see if a coaching change can bring that out.
Right away, SDSU is losing two All-MW performers in Turnlund and Reeves, but return studs in Machado and O’Sullivan. San Diego State reminds me of Colorado State in the way that the cupboard is never really bare, the Aztecs always kind of reload. Alexis Ratliff (6’6” R-SO) is a sleeper pick for me to make an impact in the middle.
San Jose State
2019 Record: 10-19 (5-13 MW, 9th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Sarah Smevog, JR, 5’5”, L
Haylee Nelson, JR, 6’0”, MB
Mamie Garard, JR 5’10”, S
Latahevai Lousi, R-SR, 6’0”, OH
Ryann Thomison, SR, 6’0”, MB
Losses:
Thaliana Grajeda, SR, 6’0”, MB*
Fernanda Vido, R-SR, 5’10”, OH*
Kaitlynn Zdroik, SR, 5’9”, S*
Caitlin Bettenay, SR, 5’11”, OH
Laura Parts, R-JR, 6’2”, MB (graduating in four)
Incoming Players:
Allyson Aiden, FR, 5’11”, MB/OPP
2020 Preview:
San Jose State plays a small, scrappy style of ball that can give teams fits (looking at you CSU). HC Jolene Shepardson is not afraid to recruit internationally, as several players are from Europe or Brazil.
Replacing Grajeda and Vido are key, and they were probably the best players for the Spartans. Pieces are there on the existing roster though, I think Shepardson does a good job with trying different players in different positions until she finds something that works. SJSU in my mind has plenty of good, all-around players, as many also play on the beach team, but they lack the size to match up well with some of the other teams in the conference.
As of writing this, Aiden is the only recruit I could find for the Spartans, as they have not released anything on their website. Will update once I hear more on who they have signed.
Ninth place is a bit disappoint for them, but it’s hard to see them moving up with what the rest of the conference has returning.
Update #1: HC Jolene Shepardson is leaving SJSU to coach at South Florida. No clue as of yet who will stay and leave on the current roster.
Update #2: Trent Kersten has been named the HC of SJSU!
Utah State
2019 Record: 2-28 (2-16 MW, 11th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Bailey Downing, SR, 6’0”, OPP
Corinne Larsen, JR, 6’3’, MB
Grace DuBay, SO, 5’8”, DS
Whitney Solosabal, JR, 5’10”, OH
Hailey Cuff, SO, 6’0”, OH
Losses:
Izzie Belnap, SR, 6’2”, OPP*
Heidi Carpenter, SR, 5’9”, S*
Ally Packard, SR, 6’0”, DS*
Graydon DuBose, Head Coach
Incoming Players:
Abby Peterson, FR, 5’8”, DS
Tatum Stall, FR, 6’0”, OH
2020 Preview:
Another school with a head coaching change. Grayson DuBose is no longer with the program after what maybe Utah State’s worst record in history at 2-28. Again, similar to San Diego State, this analysis will assume everyone on the roster who is eligible to return will.
Aggies lose their main setter in Carpenter, but Kalena Vaivai (5’10”, SO) should take over. Another big loss is Izzie Belnap on the right side. Utah State is another team that had a carousel of players playing, so it’s hard to say who will start next year with a new coach coming in.
Regardless of what happens in the offseason, nowhere to go but up with a new head coach and a new season!
Wyoming
2019 Record: 22-9 (16-2 MW, 2nd place)
Postseason: Yes – NIVC 2nd round (loss against Weber State 2-3)
Returning Starters:
KC McMahon, JR, 6’2”, OH
Jackie McBride, SR, 6’1”, MB
Faith Waitsman, SR, 6’2”, MB
Hailey Zuroske, SO, 6’0”, OH/DS
Erika Jones, SO, 5’7”, DS
Losses:
Madi Fields, SR, 5’6”, L*
Halie McArdle, SR, 5’9”, OH
Tara Traphagan, SR, 6’1”, OH*
Kiahlei Yaste, SR, 5’8”, DS
Mackenzie Coates, JR, 6’1”, S* (no longer on roster)
Kaytlen Freeland, SO, 6’0”, OH (no longer on roster)
Incoming Players:
Casady Berry, FR, 5’7”, DS
Corin Carruth, FR, 6’1”, OH
Trinity Corney, FR, 6’1”, MB
Naya Shimé, FR, 6’0”, OH
Zoee Smith, FR, 5’7”, DS
2020 Preview:
Wyoming is another team primed for a big 2020 season. Cowgirls finished second in 2019 at 16-2, but their only two losses were to undefeated Colorado State. Both matches were close as well, which leads me to believe that Wyoming could take that next step in 2020.
Biggest question is going to be ball control for Wyoming. Fields was a stud libero, and her presence will be missed. Replacing McArdle will be an issue as well, as she was best all-around outside who could also pass. Wyoming has good pin players, but the rest of them didn’t play or pass for six-rotations. Mackenzie Coates is also no longer on the roster, so I think Kyra Slavik (5’10”, SO) will take over setting duties.
Now, where Wyoming is going to shine is in the middle, with two seniors in Jackie McBride and Faith Waitsman. Plus KC McMahon and Emerson Cyza (6’1”, SO) on the outsides should provide plenty of firepower, but again, the question of passing and defense remains.
Wyoming is my co-favorite for the MW (along with CSU). Cowgirls have been inching closer to being on the NCAA bubble, and I would like to think this could be the season that they get there.
Overall Look:
Favorites: Colorado State, Wyoming
Challengers: Boise State, UNLV
Next in Line: Fresno State, Nevada, San Diego State
Outside, looking in: New Mexico, San Jose State, Air Force
Bottom Feeder: Utah State
