Mountain West Conference 2021 🏔
Aug 14, 2021 12:38:46 GMT -5
bigfan, vballfreak808, and 7 more like this
Post by speegs13 on Aug 14, 2021 12:38:46 GMT -5
Mountain West Conference – Fall 2021
Hello, hello! It's finally here! I thought I would go ahead and create a thread compiling everything for the Mountain West conference for the 2021 season.
Quick recap of Spring 2021: Similar for every other conference, the delayed 2021 Spring season was a bit of a weird one for the MW conference. UNLV dethroned Colorado State and walked away with the crown by going 12-0 in conference-only matches. The Rebels made it all the way to the second round of the NCAA tournament before falling to the eventual champion Kentucky.
2021 looks a bit wide open for the new champion. The NCAA waiving a year of eligibility makes the composition of teams very interesting – Mariena Hayden returning for another year highlights the conference. I would argue there are about four teams vying for the MW crown, and hopefully the inclusion of non-conference matches can allow for an at-large bid or two.
One important note for the Fall 2021 season is the return of the MW Conference tournament. The tournament will take place in Las Vegas from November 24th-27th.
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.
Air Force
Spring 2021 Record: 7-6 (7-6 MW, 6th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters/Players:
Bailey Keith, SR, 6’1”, OH
Vittoria Juarez, SR, 6’1”, OH
BrookeLyn Messenger, JR, 5’10”, OH
Joi Harvey, SO, 6’4”, MB
Caroline Reinkensmeyer, SO, 5’10”, S
Losses:
Alex King, 5’5”, DS/L
Cambria Galloway, 5’10”, MB/OPP
Mackenzie Robertson, 6’2”, MB
Jordan Daniels, 5’7”, DS/L
Andi Ahlers, 5’9”, S
Incoming Players:
Murphy Riggs, FR, 5’4”, DS/L
Kate Perryman, FR, 6’2”, MB
Ella Tschuor, FR, 6’2”, OH
Ellie Eichhorn, FR, 5’11”, S
Mekayla Dedo, FR, 5’10”, OH
Mac Russ, FR, 6’0”, MB
Fall 2021 Preview:
2020 might have been one of the best seasons for Air Force in recent memory. Opened the season by beating CSU for the first time in 50 tries or something?
Anways, Air Force is a team that rotated a lot of players, but return key pieces in both Bailey Keith and Joi Harvey. Lost one of the main setters in their 6-2 last year, so Coach Barnett will have to find a new setter as well as some contributing pieces from other hitters.
Boise State
Spring 2021 Record: 10-5 (10-5 MW, 2nd place)
Postseason: No
Returning Players/Starters:
Danielle Boss, SR, 5’9”, S
Jessica Donahue, SR, 6’3”, MB
Shea Duffy, SR, 6’2”, OH
Lauren Ohlinger, JR, 6’3”, OH
Allison Casillas, JR, 5’8”, L
Alyssa Wissinger, R-JR, 6’2”, MB
Jolei Akima, SO, 5’5”, DS/L
Kayly Pau, SO, 6-4, OH
Chey Jones, SO, 6-4, OH
Losses:
Kiley Lewis, 6’2”, OH (transfer to TAMUCC for beach)
Jordi Holdaway, JR, 5’7”, DS (no longer on roster)
Elena Howe, R-SO, RS, (no longer on roster)
Incoming Players:
Alli O’Harra, GR, 6’1”, MB (grad transfer from Pepperdine)
Makayla Tolman, SO, 6’3”, OPP (transfer from BYU)
Sam Beschell, SO, 5'6", DS/L (transfer from San Diego Mesa)
Paige Bartsch, FR, 6’3”, MB
Jordan Miller, FR, 6’1”, OH
Fall 2021 Preview:
Before Covid, Fall 2021 I had circled as a peak season for Boise. Many of their players are now seniors and juniors, and I think this team could make a run for an NCAA tournament run. No clue who is planning on staying around, but I think this could be a big year for the Broncos
Boise is a BIG team at the net, with most of their hitters standing at least 6’2”, so the block is solid. The main concerns with Boise are how well can they pass and play defense behind that block, and can they terminate consistently.
Colorado State
Spring 2021 Record: 9-6 (9-6 MW, 3rd place)
Postseason: No
Returning Players/Starters:
Alexa Roumeliotis, GR, 5’7”, L
Sasha Colombo, SR, 6’2”, MB/OPP
Jacqi Van Liefde, R-JR, 6’0”, OH
Ciera Pritchard (Zimmerman), R-JR, 6’0”, S
Alyssa Bert, JR, 5’10”, DS
Brooke Hudson, JR, 5’3”, DS
Karina Leber, SO, 6’3”, MB
Kennedy Stanford, SO, 5’10”, OH
Alyssa Groves, SO, 6’4”, OPP
Losses:
Breana Runnels, 5’10”, OH (grad transfer to Tennessee)*
Genesis Sheridan, JR, 6’1”, MB (transfer to Jacksonville)
Madison Boles, R-SO, 5’11”, OH (medically retired)
Incoming Players:
Annie Sullivan, JR, 6’1”, OH (transfer from High Point)
Malaya Jones, R-FR, 6'0", MB/OH (transfer from USC)
Maddy McCormick, FR, 6’0”, OH
Kate Yoshimoto, FR, 5’3”, DS/L
Fall 2021 Preview:
CSU took their lumps in the Spring season – lost 5 starters from 2019 and had to start from scratch, returning Runnels and Roumeliotis at Libero.
The bad news now is that Runnels has transferred to Tennessee (best of luck to her!), but the good news is that Roumeliotis is retuning for one more season at libero, and CSU had to play a few matches at the end of the season without Runnels due to contact tracing – so they did have to figure out life without Runnels eventually.
I imagine Hilbert will fiddle around with lineups, especially with Annie Sullivan transferring in, but Kennedy Stanford should take over Runnels’ spot at the six-rotation player.
Fresno State
Spring 2021 Record: 8-6 (8-6 MW, T-4th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Desiree Sukhov, GR, 5’11” OH
Savannah Smith, GR, 5’11”, OH
Lauren Sabbatini, R-JR, 5’9”, DS/OH
Grace Doyle, JR, 6’1”, MB
Amaria Kelly, JR, 6’4”, OH/RS
Rebecca Rendahl, R-JR, 6’1”, MB
Molly Eppright, JR, 5’3”, L/DS
Losses:
Amilya Thompson, 5’10”, OH
Reagan Leonard, 5’7”, L
Jocelyn Rodriguez, 5’7”, L/DS
Incoming Players:
Brooke Cowie, FR, 5’11”, S
Sydney Gazzaniga, FR, 5’5”, L/DS
Preslee Lillard, FR, 6’2”, OH
Maja Malczewska, FR, 6’0”, OH
Ella Rud, FR, 6’0”, OH
Fall 2021 Preview:
I think Fresno might be set up for a decent season – they return all of their hitters, and need someone to step in and take over the setting position. Fresno switched between a 5-1 and 6-2 throughout the season, so we’ll have to see what they pull out.
Fresno has a nice 1-2 punch of Sukhov and Amaria Kelly, so I imagine the offense will run primarily through them.
Nevada – Reno
Spring 2021 Record: 3-12 (3-12 MW, 11th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Kayla Afoa, GR, 5’9”, OH
Kaila Spevak, SR, 5’8”, DS/L
Sydney Petersen, JR, 6’1”, MB
Kili Robins, JR, 6’0”, OH
Andrea Alcaraz, JR, 5’8”, S
Lexi Appleback, SO, 5’6”, DS/L
Reka Monteleone, SO, 6’0”, OH
Alyssa Zuro, SO, 6’1”, OH
Losses:
Kassie McGill, 6’1”, RS (grad transfer to New Mexico)*
Gabby Roberts, 6’3”, MB
Brianna Souza, 5’11”, MB
Incoming Players:
Mary Fonoimoana, FR, 6’1”, MB
Sia Liilii, FR, 6’1”, OH/RS
Sophie Mangold, FR, 5’9”, S
Fall 2021 Preview:
Nevada was a young team last season, playing two freshmen at OH and a sophomore at setter. They lose their senior RS McGill to an inter-conference transfer to New Mexico, but I think they return do-it-all player in Kayla Afoa, so finding someone to take over McGills offense production is step number one for the Wolfpack.
Nevada – Las Vegas
Spring 2021 Record: 13-1 (12-0 MW, 1st place)
Postseason: Yes – NCAA Tournament (0-3 loss in Second Round to #2 Kentucky)
Returning Players/Starters:
Mariena Hayden, GR, 6’0”, OH
Kate Brennan, JR, 6’2”, MB
Lauren Burt, JR, 5’8”, S
Shelby Capllonch, SO, 5’8” OH
Paris Olivera, SO, 5’6”, L/DS
Arien Fafard, SO, 5’7”, S
Losses:
Erin Davis, 5’11”, RS
Thea Sweder, 5’10”, OH
Macy Smith, 6’0”, MB
Jillian Berg, 5’10”, OH
Allison French, 6’0”, RS (grad transfer to SMU)
Abby Lynn, 5’10”, S (transfer to Saint Louis)
Cassidy Nelson, 6’0”, OH (transfer to Lewis-Clark St)
Gabriella Rawson, 5’5”, DS/L (transfer to Stanlislau State)
Trinity Sheridan, 5’11”, RS (no longer on roster)
Incoming Players:
Milica Tasic, SR, 6’2”, OH
Isabel Martin, JR, 5’11”, OH (transfer from Hillsborough CC)
Dakota Quinlian, FR, 5’11”, MB
Livvy Setla, FR, 5’5”, DS/L
Chloe Thomas, FR, 6’0”, MB
Kenaya Cruse, FR, 6’1”, OH
Gabi Tagaloa, FR, 5’11”, RS/S
Fall 2021 Preview:
UNLV is going to be interesting to watch this fall. Vegas returns Hayden (!!) and Capllonch at the OH, Brennan in the middle, both setters, and their libero, but must replace the other half of their 6-2 offense.
A lot of moving parts in terms of players leaving and incoming, so hard to predict what the starting lineup will be, but I’d imainge any team with Hayden will be chasing that conference title!
New Mexico
Spring 2021 Record: 4-10 (4-10 MW, 10th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Hayley Torres, 5’9”, SR, OH
Kaitlynn Biassou, JR, 5’9”, OH
Alena Moldan, JR, 5’7”, L
Kali Wolf, SO, 6’2”, OH
Tori Tua, SO, 6’5”, OH
Losses:
Yasmin Tan, 5’11”, MB (Fall transfer to Boise State beach)
Jayclyn Inclan, 5’10”, S (transfer to Chicago State)
Milica Djukic, 6’0”, OH (transfer to CSU-Pueblo)
Jazlynn Soriano, 5’6”, L (transfer to Fullerton College)
Kara Erfurth, 5’10” S (medically retired)
Riley White, 5’8”, S (transfer to Humbolt State)
Incoming Players:
Mmachi Nwoke, GR, 6’1”, MB (grad transfer from NC State)
Kassie McGill, GR, 6’1”, RS (grad transfer from Nevada)
Alia Rasmussen, JR, 5’7”, S (transfer from Yavapai College)
Melissa Walden, SO, 5’11”, S (transfer from Texas A&M)
Elizabeth Woods, FR, 6’2”, MB
Abby Thigpen, FR, 5’10”, OH
Fall 2021 Preview:
New Mexico really struggled with injuries last spring, and at one point only having seven players available on the roster. Based on the returning players, I think the Lobos have the pins figured out, but Kassie McGill transferring in could bring some competition to that RS. Mmachi Nwoke could have an immediate impact and play middle for the New Mexico.
San Diego State
Spring 2021 Record: 6-9 (6-9 MW, 8th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters/Players:
Andrea Walker, R-SR, 6’0”, MB
Victoria O’Sullivan, SR, 6’0”, OH
Brooklynn Hill, SR, 5’8”, DS/L
Ashley Vanderpan, R-JR, 6’1”, S
Heipua Tautua’a, SO, 6’1”, OH
Kennedy Feuerborn, SO, 6’3”, S
Losses:
Lauren Lee, 5’0”, DS/L
Camryn Machado, 5’9”, S
Erin Gillcrist, 6’1”, MB
Maddie Lenn, SR, 5’10”, OH (no longer on roster)
Nya Blair, SO, 5’11”, OH (transfer to UT Arlington)
Incoming Players:
Zoi Faki, GR, 6’1”, OH (grad transfer from Pitt)
Noa Miller, SR, 5'10, S (transfer from Arizona State)
Natalie Smith, SR, 5'7", DS/L (transfer from Michigan)
Julia Haynie, JR, 6’1”, MB (transfer from Portland State)
Carsyn Schuch, FR, 5’6”, DS/L
Mikela Labno, FR, 6’2”, OH
Kalani Ruri, FR, 6’2”, RS/S
Sara Mukaj, FR, 6’3”, MB
Jordyn Goldsmith, FR, 6'1", RS
Reagan Merk, FR, 5'11", OH
Fall 2021 Preview:
San Diego State was an up and down team last year. The good news is that most players are returning (that I know of), and some nice recruits and transfers are coming in for SDSU. Will be interesting to see if the coaches continue to run with a 5-2 next years, as they seems to prefer Feuerborn’s size at the net.
The Aztecs are one of the harder teams for me to pinpoint where they will end up. Sometimes it takes a couple of seasons for new coaching staffs to get their teams where they want them to be.
San Jose State
Spring 2021 Record: 7-9 (7-9 MW, 7th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Sarah Smevog, SR, 5’5”, L
Haylee Nelson, SR, 6’0”, MB
Mia Schafer, SO, 5’8”, S
Allyson Alden, SO, 6’0”, MB
Losses:
Latahevai Lousi, 6’0”, OH
Ryann Thomison, 6’0”, MB
Mamie Garard, SR 5’10”, S (transfer to Ball State)
Cameron Blakely, JR, 5'9", OH (no longer on roster)
Tamara Tuinauvai, JR, 5'10", OH (no longer on roster)
Makayla Lewis, JR, 6’0”, OH (transfer to Portland State)
Abby Alvarez, SO, 5'9", OH (beach only)
Incoming Players:
Amethyst Harper, JR, 5’10”, OH (transfer from Montana)
Allie Bjork, FR, 6’2”, MB
Madeline Boerstra, FR, 6’1”, OH
Brooke Bryant, FR, 5’11”, MB/RS
Janne Kaniho, FR, 5’8”, S
Cora ter Kuile, FR, 6’1”, OH
Alessia Buffangi, FR, 6'1", OH
Fall 2021 Preview:
San Jose State loses about half of their starters, but returns their libero and setter. SJSU’s number one priority is finding new pieces for the offense. The Spartans are one of the smaller teams in the league, so they depend on great defense and tough serving, but the lack of height at the net could make it an uphill battle for them in the MW.
Utah State
Spring 2021 Record: 5-10 (5-10 MW, 9th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Corinne Larsen, SR, 6’3”, MB
Kristy Frank, SR, 5’9”, OH
Kalena Vaivai, JR, 5’10” S
Grace Dubay, JR, 5’8”, DS/L
Tatum Stall, SO, 6’0”, OH
Abby Peterson, SO, 5’8”, DS/L
Losses:
Bailey Downing, 6’0”, OPP
Elle Nesbitt, 6’1”, S
Autumn Spafford, 6’3”, MB (no longer on roster)
Whitney Parks, 5’10” OH (no longer on roster)
Ashlee McUne, 5’8”, S (no longer on roster)
Incoming Players:
Kennedi Boyd, JR, 6’2”, MB (transfer from Arizona State)
Kylee Stokes, JR, 6’1”, MB (transfer from South Carolina)
Katie Langford, FR, 6’3”, MB/OH
Haley McUne, FR, 5’9”, DS/L
Adna Mehmedovic, FR, 6’1”, OH
Kaylie Ray, FR, 5’11”, MB/OH
Beatriz Rodrigues, FR, 5’9”, S
Kalia Thunstrom, FR, 5’10”, S
Bella Wooden, FR, 6’3”, MB
Fall 2021 Preview:
This is a hard team for me to predict, since Utah State has NINE new incoming players, and I’m not sure who is staying from last years roster. Utah State does return plenty of production from the offensive end, so we will just have to wait to see how the newcomers fit in.
Wyoming
Spring 2021 Record: 8-6 (8-6 MW, T-4th place)
Postseason: No
Returning Starters:
Jackie McBride, GR, 6’1”, MB
Faith Waitsman, GR, 6’2”, MB
KC McMahon, SR, 6’2”, OH
Kaitlyn Gehler, SR, 5’6”, DS/L
Abby Olsen, JR, 5’9”, S
Hailey Zuroske, JR, 6’0”, OH/DS
Erika Jones, JR, 5’7”, DS
Losses:
Emersen Cyza, JR, 6’1”, OH (transfer to Nebraska-Kearney)
Trinity Corney, FR, 6’1”, MB (no longer on roster)
Incoming Players:
Lydeke King, R-SO, 5’10”, OH/MB (transfer from Tyler CC)
Payton Chamberlain, FR, 6’0”, S
Lexie Collins, FR, 6’1”, MB
Teresa Garza, FR, 5’10”, OH
Kayla Mazzocca, FR, 6’0”, MB
Fall 2021 Preview:
Wyoming has the pieces to challenge for the MW title. The return both MBs from last year, but need to find a little consistency in both their setting and hitting from the pins. I would look for KC McMahon to lead the charge on the pins, and is going to need someone else to step up with the loss of Emersen Cyza to transfer.
I think this could be a good season for Wyoming! They have the block and defense to contend, but the offensive production is a question.
Overall Look:
Top Tier: Boise State, Colorado State, UNLV, Wyoming
- Margins between these four teams is very small IMO
Middle Tier: Air Force, Fresno State, New Mexico, San Diego State
- SDSU and New Mexico are the hardest to pinpoint, they could end up anywhere
Bottom Tier: Nevada, San Jose State, Utah State
