Dayton Flyers

Aug. 10, 2009

DAYTON, Ohio - The University of Dayton women's volleyball team began practice for the 2009 season at the Frericks Center this morning.

The Flyers were picked to finish second by the Atlantic 10 coaches after finishing 2008 with an 11-2 conference record. Dayton earned its first at-large bid into the NCAA Championship after a 21-13 finish last season. It was UD's fifth appearance in the tournament and second straight year hosting the First Round.

Lindsay Fletemier is expected to lead the attack for the Red and Blue in 2009. The redshirt middle blocker earned AVCA Honorable Mention All-America honors in 2008 while leading the Flyers with a .342 attack efficiency during the season.

In addition to Fletemier, nine veterans return this season, including the return of Yvonne Marten who was sidelined during 2008 with a leg injury. Rachel Krabacher, a redshirt last season, will also join the team this fall.

Four newcomers are welcomed to UD this fall. Junior transfer Amanda Cowdrey will be expected to help fill a vital role at the outside hitter position. Freshmen newcomers include Shayne Brown, Paige Vargas and Hannah Clancy.

The Flyers will practice for 17 days before opening up the season against Coastal Carolina at the Purdue Mortar Board Tournament on Aug. 28. Dayton will also play Ball State and Purdue on Aug. 29. The last time UD played in the Premier, they captured the tournament crown jumpstarting a historic season for the Flyers that included a record setting 33-2 (.943 winning percentage) finish in 2007.

Dayton will host one exhibition this season, the Red and Blue match at the Frericks Center on Aug. 22 at 5:00 p.m. In addition, admission to Flyer volleyball at Frericks is free of charge to the public.