DRURY VOLLEYBALL
Peggy Martin Challenge
Aug. 23-25 | Multipurpose Building | Univ. of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, Mo.
 
Drury Schedule at UCM
Thur., Aug. 23- at #22 Central Missouri, 6 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 24- vs. Missouri Southern St., 9 a.m.
Fri., Aug. 24- vs. #4 Florida Southern, 3 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 25- vs. #14 Arkansas Tech, 9 a.m.
 
Live Coverage
Tournament website
Live Stats
Live Video (Thur., vs Central Missouri – pay-per-view)
 
Drury volleyball starts the season at Central Missouri
Jenifer Bahner starts her fifth year as head coach of the Drury volleyball program on Thursday as her team opens the 2018 season at 22nd ranked Central Missouri. In four years, she's transformed her squad into a winning program as the Panthers have experienced four straight winning seasons for the first time since 1987-1990.
 
Now, however, Bahner is looking for her team to take another step forward and turn into a legitimate contender in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
 
"Physically, we've been able to get the right type of players," she said. "Now it's about the mental side of winning, and we're still growing in that area. Those teams that are at the top nationally know and understand what you have to do every day. We've seen glimpses of it with us and have had some great wins, but we're still learning about what it takes to be at that level every night."
 
The Panthers lost just one player from last year's team to graduation and all of their key contributors from 2017 return. First Team All-GLVC selection Kendra Sater returns. The junior from Ozark led the conference in assists last year averaging 11.24.
 
"She's a quiet competitor who wants to win," said Bahner. "She may not be the most vocal person on the court but has a great deal of composure, and that's the way she leads."
 
Bentley Mara was a Second Team All-GLVC performer last year and returns for her senior season. Sarah Kite, who led the team in kills in 2017 and was also named All-GLVC has been sidelined in the preseason with an injury but would provide a lift to the squad if she's able to return.
 
"Bentley has been with me throughout my four years," noted Bahner. "We'll be looking to her for big kills all season. She has grown within the program and has had an awesome preseason."
 
Libero Bree Schmidt also played a crucial role in Drury's success last year and led the team averaging 5.11 digs per set. The junior college transfer is one of four seniors on this year's squad.
 
"Bree has a fire to compete," said Bahner of the Topeka, Kansas native. "She plays with a sense of urgency that you would expect from a senior."
 
Another key returner is Paige Perry. The outside hitter, Ozark native and transfer from Missouri State had 20 service aces, averaged 1.63 kills and 3.18 digs per set last year.
 
"Paige brings a calming presence to the court," said Bahner. "She possesses qualities that her teammates all respect and she has the potential to be a strong leader for us."
 
While coach Bahner believes her team has accomplished a lot in their preseason, injuries have taken a toll. The team's top returning Faith Alwardt, a sophomore from Lebanon, has also missed time with a leg injury. While Bahner would like to start the year at full-strength, opportunities will emerge as the Panthers will look to fill those gaps.
 
"We'll be telling the freshman and our young kids – you're here for a reason," said Bahner. "They will have a chance to contribute right away, so this is an opportunity for our freshmen and sophomores."
 
As they started the season, the Panther knew they would be tested early. Their season opener on Thursday is a road game at 22nd ranked Central Missouri, a match that kicks off the Peggy Martin Challenge in Warrensburg. Drury will face three ranked teams in the four games they play this weekend and will play six ranked opponents in their first 10 games.
 
"This is a game where you have to challenge yourself and learn and grow as a player," Bahner said. "We may take some stumbles early, but I believe this team has the maturity and the understanding about what matters."
 
After Thursday's game against Central Missouri, the Panthers take on Missouri Southern State at 9 a.m. on Friday, then fourth-ranked Florida Southern at 3 p.m. Drury plays their final match of the event on Saturday at 9 a.m. against 14th ranked Arkansas Tech.
 
QUICK FACTS
Last Year's Records
Drury: 19-12
Central Missouri: 25-8
Missouri Southern St.: 11-20
Florida Southern: 30-7
Arkansas Tech: 35-1
 
Stat Leaders
Drury (in 2017): Sarah Kite (3.45 k/set), Bentley Mara (2.94 k/set), Kendra Sater (11.24 a/set), Sater (23 aces), Bree Schmitt (5.11 digs/set), Faith Alwardt (0.90 blk/set)
 
Head Coach
Drury: Jenifer Bahner (5^th year, 76-46)
 
Last Meeting
Drury 3 Central Missouri 2 (Oct. 3, 2003)
Drury 3 Missouri Southern St. 0 (Sept. 19, 2017)
Florida Southern 3 Drury 0 (Oct. 6, 2000)
Arkansas Tech 3 Drury 1 (Sept. 2, 2017)
 
All-time series
Drury vs. Central Missouri 1-11
Drury vs. Missouri Southern St. 24-51
Drury vs. Florida Southern 0-1
Drury vs. Arkansas Tech 9-9
 
Next
The Terrace Hotel Classic – Lakeland, Florida – Aug. 31-Sept. 1
 
 
#allweDUiswin