The Centenary volleyball program begins a new era in 2019 under the leadership of first-year head coach Ashley McDonough, as she comes to Shreveport after serving as the head coach of Knox College in Galesburg, Ill. for the last four seasons (2015-18).
The Ladies posted an even 18-18 overall record in 2018 and posted a 7-9 mark in conference play, finishing fifth in the conference tournament. Centenary went 8-2 at home last season and the 18 wins were the second-most in program history and the most in the current division III era. Centenary defeated Austin College three times during the 2018 season and claimed an upset victory over Texas Lutheran.
Preseason workouts have focused on endurance, strength, and explosiveness all of which were done in the water. "Our team workouts have been designed to improve aerobic and anaerobic fitness, increase strength, and improve endurance and power." McDonough said. "We already have some really great volleyball players so my aim is to zero in on strength and conditioning, nutrition, hydration, and recovery."
Sophomore Rachel Demerjian, a native of Glendora, Calif., is one of several Ladies to watch this coming season. She was named to the SCAC All-Conference squad, only the second Centenary volleyball player to do so in the division III era. In 2018 she accumulated 924 assists which ranks fifth in school history in assists for the season. Demerjian also led the team with 18 double-doubles, including three straight to end the regular season.
Sophomore Alyssa Davis and Senior Marissa Sandoval team with Demerjian to form a solid trip for the Ladies. Last season, Davis lead the team in kills, tallying 353 (averaging 2.94/set and was named the team "Offensive Player of the Year." Sandoval lead the 2018 squad in digs accumulating 518 (averaging 4.08 digs/set).
The Ladies begin their season on Aug. 30 versus Concordia in the Austin College Invite in Sherman, Texas and will play four matches over two days. Following a midweek match at East Texas Baptist the first week of September, McDonough and her team will travel to California to take part in the Cal Lu Fornia Invitational hosted by Cal Lutheran University in the Los Angeles area. Centenary will face four different opponents over two days Sept. 6 and 7 in the Golden state.
The first home match of the season is set for Saturday, Sept. 14 at 5 p.m. against St. Thomas in the Gold Dome. The home schedule is highlighted by the SCAC Group A Divisional, a two-day tournament on Sept. 20-21, in which the Ladies will play four total matches. The final regular season match will be against Texas-Dallas at home on Nov. 1 and the conference tournament is scheduled for Nov. 8-9 in Seguin, Texas.
