GAC preseason poll: Rangers tabbed 4th in White's second season

 

August 5, 2018



RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – After a record-setting season in 2017, Ranger volleyball earned the respect of coaches across the Great American Conference as they were predicted to finish fourth this year in the GAC preseason coaches poll.

Northwestern (20-11, 10-6 GAC) saw success early and often in 2017 as first-year head coach Jeremy White led the Red and Black to its winningest season since the program was resurrected in 2012 following a three-decade absence. The Rangers exploded out of the gate and started the season 16-5 en route to qualifying for their second GAC championship tournament.

“Last season was a phenomenal year for Ranger volleyball, and I have a great group of girls to thank for that,” White said. "They bought into my coaching philosophy and the culture we were trying to create, and because of it exceeded all expectations including my own.”

But a disappointing first-round loss to Southern Nazarene provided a little extra off-season motivation for a team that White believes is only going to continue to climb.

“The greatest lesson we can take from last season is that the GAC is very competitive and there are no 'days off,' so to speak. I don't see that changing any time soon.”

The Rangers will be returning 12 players from a year ago including six that saw extensive time on the floor. Led by a core of seniors in Hannah Williams (Second Team All-GAC), Brooklynn Hesson (GAC Newcomer of the Year), Tobi Barker and Cassidy Hackett, alongside standout middle blocker Jennifer Eubanks (First Team All-GAC) and setter Kiauna Clark, the Rangers are poised for another successful campaign in 2018.

“I believe one of our strengths going into the 2018 season is the fact that we are returning six starters and another six who know what our expectations are, both for the season and for our program over the long term,” said White. “My hope is that our returners will take ownership of our goals for this season and push the team as whole to continue to improve and compete at the highest level.”

Northwestern will open its season Aug. 24 against the University of the Southwest in a tournament in Goodwell. The Rangers play their first 14 matches on the road before a much-anticipated return to Percefull Fieldhouse where they went 9-2 in 2017.

Having broken school attendance records last year, White knows the importance of having a raucous home crowd at every game.

“I can't say enough about the thrill it is to play and coach in front of a gym packed full of Northwestern fans,” White said. “The support the girls felt last year, and the intensity our student section brings to the Pit are second to none in the GAC. We hope the number of fans attending continues to grow as we want to keep the GAC attendance crown and rock Percefull to the fullest.”

White has also brought in two quality coaches on his staff this season with the addition of former Ranger Liz Dwyer and newcomer Adison Giambrone. Dwyer, a native of Wichita, Kansas, was a four-year player for the Red and Black while Giambrone (Richmond, Texas) joins Northwestern after a four-year career at Div. I McNeese State University.

The Rangers will host their annual RED vs BLACK game inside Percefull Fieldhouse on Wednesday, Aug. 22, at 5:30 p.m.

 

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