BLINN VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
The Blinn Buccaneer Volleyball Team is getting ready for another exciting season in NJCAA Region XIV Volleyball.
Head Coach Terry Gamble returns for his seventh season at the helm of the program. Last year, the Bucs finished 34-7 overall, and earned their fourth straight trip to the NJCAA National Championship Tournament.
Blinn was one of three teams from the conference to make the tournament.
Speaking on the Brenham Sportsline this past Monday night, after a couple of weeks of practice, Gamble said he likes what he sees from this year's team.
The Buccaneers return just three players from last year's squad: Sophomores Kellen Dorotik from East Bernard, Cierra Piesak from Friendswood, and Kirby Kliafas from Cy Ranch.
Dorotik, a right side hitter, was a Second Team All-American, and the Co-Region XIV Player of the Year. Pesak and Kliafas, who are both defensive specialists, received All Region XIV Second Team honors last season.
Coach Gamble said that he is looking at the trio to be leaders this season, and they have already started embracing their role.
The roster contains a hometown connection. Former Brenham Cubette Lillie Thibodeaux is looking to take her playing career to next level as she joins the Buccaneer roster this season.
Last year for the Cubettes, Thibodeaux was the District 21-5A Blocker of the Year, Co-Team MVP, and First Team All Brazos Valley.
The Buccaneers also have four international players joining the team this season: Greta Rakow from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Jana Cetkovic from Podgorica, Montenegro, Karolina Karabasz from Zlotow, Poland, and Yari Pagan from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Blinn starts with a scrimmage against Mary-Hardin Baylor on Saturday, and a second scrimmage against Prairie View A&M on Tuesday. Both matches will be played at the Kruse Center in Brenham.
The Bucs will open the season by taking part in the Western Texas Shootout Tournament in Snyder, Texas August 23-24. Their first home matches of the regular season will be August 29-31 as part of the annual Kruse Kickoff Classic.