Coach Buikema Anticipates a Strong Season

This season the Lady Cougars volleyball team includes returning sophomores 6’0” middle blocker Bria Mays and libero Marisa DuMond. Mays adds a huge block to the Cougar front row, while DuMond brings consistency and aggressiveness to the team’s serve receive. With a large recruiting class of 10 freshman, each player will be working hard to make it into the starting line-up.

Head Coach Jennifer Buikema said one freshman to watch is 5'10" middle blocker Michaela DeKilder from Gobles High School. DeKilder is a 4-year varsity player and a three-time All-Conference, three-time All-Region, second and third team All-State recipient. Freshman outside hitter, 6’0” Karlie Lambie, from Grand Ledge will add to the Cougar offense receiving accolades as a three-time All-Conference and two-time All-Region player, as well as freshman outside hitter Courtney McCauley, from Paw Paw, who is a two-time All-Conference and All-Region player. Also add two freshmen from Wayland High School: setter Samantha Gievett and outside hitter Rachel VanderBaan, who both helped lead their high school team to the MHSAA State Semi-Finals.

“The Cougars offense will be explosive and deep, with many players being able to play multiple positions in the front row including freshman outside hitter Alexis Blake, freshmen right side hitters Rachel Callaway and Shelby Mannes and freshman setter Sarah Dunkle,” Coach Buikema said. “Defensively, the team will be led by team captain and sophomore Rachel Parker who will bring her veteran expertise to the back row and will be assisted by freshman Alicia Rairigh.”

See the new volleyball video at: CougarVolleyball. The season schedule follows:

September

4 @ Jackson 6:30 p.m.

9 Grand Rapids 6:30 p.m.

11 @ Kellogg 6:30 p.m.

16 Lake Michigan 6:30 p.m.

18 @ Lansing 6:30 p.m.

23 Ancilla 6:30 p.m.

25 Muskegon 6:30 p.m.

27 @ Grand Rapids Tournament 11 a.m. vs. Mott Community College and 3:30 p.m. vs. Alpena CC

28 @ Grand Rapids Tournament 10:30 a.m. vs. Lakeland and 4:30 p.m. vs. Lawrence Tech CC

30 Jackson 6:30 p.m.

October 2 @ Grand Rapids 6:30 p.m.

7 Kellogg 6:30 p.m.

9 @ Lake Michigan 6:30 p.m.

14 Lansing 6:30 p.m.

16 @ Ancilla 6:30 p.m.

17-18 @ Rock Valley Tournament Opps. TBA

21 @ Muskegon 5:30 p.m.

25 MCCAA Championship Tournament Location TBA

31 – Nov 2 NJCAA Region 12 District Tournament Location TBA