DEARBORN, Mich. – The 2024 University of Michigan-Dearborn volleyball team will have some familiar faces this year, but as Head Volleyball coach Eric Stark noted, this year's team will be a "changing of the guard." After losing two All-Conference players last season, the Wolverines still return firepower. Second Team All-Conference Libero Kenzie Mertz (Macomb, Mich. / Dakota High School) returns for her fifth year. At the same time, Kielee Tondryk (Pingree Grove, Ill. / Hampshire High School) and Regan Rose (Decatur, Mich. / Decatur High School) also decided they wanted to run it back one last time in the Maize & Blue. The change comes from the six newcomers and new faces entering the lineup this season. "In addition to our three 5th year seniors continuing their great careers, I am excited to see others take on more impactful roles." Head Coach Eric Stark said. " I look forward to Marisa (Fetterley) and Jill (Paryaski) being a dominant force in the middle for us while newcomers bolster our defense."
Clarke University Invite
The Wolverines hit the road to Dubuque, Iowa, to participate in the Clarke University Invite on August 23-24. The Wolverines open their season Friday at 5 pm against Calumet College of St. Joseph and UHSP at 7 pm. The Crimson Wave from Calumet finished 6-15 last year and 4-10 in conference play. The Utectics from UHSP finished 3-29 and 2-7 in American Midwest Conference Play.
The Wolverines return to action on Saturday at 2 and 4 as they take on Briar Cliff (IA) and Mount Marty. After finishing 7-23 in the 2023 season, the Chargers return Libero Avery Beller, who led the Chargers with 5.11 Digs/set. The Lancers are led by Julia Weber, who finished with 434 kills in her sophomore season. The Lancers finished 10-21 and 3-13 in conference play.
WHACtion
The Wolverines were selected 6th in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference preseason poll behind Cornerstone's 98 points. UM-Dearborn edged out seventh-place Lawrence Tech by four points. Aquinas was tabbed as the preseason favorite with 139 points and seven first-place votes. Indiana Tech was the other team to receive first-place votes with five. Coach Stark is aware of the challenge that awaits them in conference play but is eager to test an aggressive pre-season that he knows will prepare them well for conference play.
WHERE TO WATCH
Friday and Saturday's events can be streamed here: https://heartconferencenetwork.com/clarke/
