2011 Volleyball Season Recap
IRVING, Texas - The University of Dallas volleyball team embarked on a new era in 2011, as Dallas joined the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC).
The SCAC is one of the toughest volleyball conferences in the nation, regularly sending two or three teams to the NCAA tournament. So, Dallas Volleyball -- coming off the best season in school history (26-11 in 2010) -- approached the new year looking forward to the challenge of competing in the SCAC.
Dallas returned a veteran team in 2011, led by junior outside hitter Theresa Wohldmann (Florissant, Mo), senior rightside Danielle Fuchs (St Charles, Mo.) and senior outside hitter Liz Baska (Tongonoxie, Kan.). Dallas also received significant contributions from a solid freshman class, led by 6-foot-2 middle blocker Emily Caples (Walnut Creek, Calif.).
The Lady Crusaders started off the season on a good note, going 4-0 to win the 2011 Dallas Invitational. But the team played erratically the following weekend, dropping all four matches. The up-and-down cycle continued throughout the first month but by midseason the Crusaders seemed to hit their stride, winning 10-of-11 matches.
The momentum was derailed, however, when injuries cost Dallas two of their top players -- Wohldmann and Caples. Undermanned, Dallas wasn't able to keep the winning-streak going and wound up the regular season at 17-18.
The season did not end there, however, as Dallas qualified for the SCAC postseason tournament. Dallas was still without Caples but got Wohldmann back on the court just in time for the conference tournament.
Dallas started off strong in the SCAC tourney, winning the first match and advancing into the Championship Bracket. There, Dallas was matched-up against the top teams in the SCAC. Dallas competed well but dropped three close four-set matches, finishing eighth in the SCAC and 18-21 on the year.
Although the final record was not all that Dallas had hoped, there were many noteworthy accomplishments along the way. Theresa Wohldmann once again led Dallas' attack, knocking down 342 kills, averaging 3.17 kills/set. Theresa was selected 'Second Team' All-SCAC for her all-around solid play. Emily Caples had a strong freshman campaign, knocking down 2.52 kills/set with a team high .321 hitting percentage, earning her 'Third Team' All-SCAC honors.
Senior Danielle Fuchs finished up her Dallas career with another solid season with 305 kills, setting a new school record with 1415 for her career. Junior setter Amanda Kitten notched her third consecutive 1,000 assist year (1,176 assists), setting a new Dallas career record with 3,699 assists.
Other noteworthy performances were turned in by senior Liz Baska and junior Emily Meyers (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.). Meyers moved from outside hitter to libero early in the season and emerged as one of the league's top backcourt defenders, averaging 4.93 digs/set from the libero position. Baska, a four-year starter, had her best year at Dallas, both offensively and defensively. Sophomore Laura Yokell had another solid year, hitting .320 in the middle.
Dallas Volleyball now turns its sights to 2012. With Theresa Wohldmann, Emily Meyers and Emily Caples returning -- three of the top players in the conference -- Dallas looks forward to another year of SCAC competition and the possibility of even more success.