Jan. 9, 2008

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Last season the Lewis University men's volleyball team returned to postseason play by qualifying for the MIVA Tournament. This season head coach Dan Friend is looking for his squad to take the next step.

"I think we are respected around the league, but I don't think we are feared yet," Friend said. "We need to get other teams realizing when we walk into the gym they are going to have to play their best game."

On top of improving their win total by seven matches last season, the Flyers displayed instances of what the squad is capable. Lewis rallied from down 2-1 and fought off three match points to upset No. 12 Loyola on the road. Lewis then took No. 7 Ohio State and No. 15 Ball State to five games.

"The talent is here. We had three all-conference players last season and this year we will have four total on the court at once," Friend said. "Not to mention others that have the opportunity to play at that level. We have to play not just at a high level, but consistently at that high level. We also have to have the confidence we belong and play with no fear."

OUTSIDE HITTERS
Senior Jared Dayton, a captain for the third year, enters his final season. He led the Flyers in kills (434) and kills per game (4.17) last season on his way to All-MIVA first team honors.

"Jared is really pushing it to the next level. He is more physical and powerful than ever and has the talent to be an All-America player," Friend said. "He's also a great teammate, he loves the game and enjoys his role as captain."

Junior Drew Pickering turned in his second all-conference season last year, recording 307 kills and a rally scoring era school record of 54 service aces.

"Drew is another guy with All-American potential. He is definitely a fan favorite because of his physical abilities and power," Friend said. "If he and Jared continue to lift up their game we could be in a great position." Sophomore Nathan Klaas and freshman Brian Muesenfechter will play much needed roles for the Flyers at both outside and opposite.

"Out of everyone, Nathan has improved the most from last season. He is very strong and intense player on the court, and has one of the highest contact points," Friend said. "He should be pushing for a starting role."

"Muesenfechter brings a great volleyball IQ. He has an uncanny court presence and plays at a solid pace," Friend said. "He will provide depth at both pin positions if not make an impact this season." Freshman Mario Vivona will redshirt in 2008.

"Mario is a very athletic player." Friend said. "He'll redshirt to gain experience and improve ball control".

MIDDLE BLOCKERS
Juniors Billy Sahagian and Alex Vigansky return at the middle blocker position. Sahagian earned All-MIVA Second team honors after leading the team with a .417 hitting percentage, finishing second on the team in blocks with 90 and third in service aces with 22.

"Billy is a captain for the second straight season. He is an intensity driven player in great physical shape. He is a dynamic offensive threat who has improved his overall net play," Friend said. "He feels like last year was cut short for him after suffering meningitis during the conference tournament."

Vigansky, a 2006 All-MIVA Second Team selection, led the team in blocks with 119 and blocks per game with 1.25 last year.

"Alex posses formidable size and power. He really desires to be a dominant middle and has that potential," Friend said. "He will push for another all-conference performance this season."

Senior David Kyner will play a reserve role and adds veteran leadership for the Flyers. "David has been here since I started. He is a high motivator with lots of intensity," Friend said. "He really pushes the guys and ensures they prepare like they need to." Freshmen Matt Gallik looks to fight for some playing time and provide depth.

"Matt has an explosive quick jump and a fast arm," Friend said. "He has a great work ethic and will push all of our middles everyday." Junior Craig Boller and freshman Aaron Flick are redshirting this season.

"Craig is coming off of shoulder surgery," Friend said. "He will be working hard to get healthy and strong to make an impact during practice against the starters."

"Aaron will contribute daily and especially down the road," Friend said. "He is long and can one day be a dominant presence in the middle."

OPPOSITES
David Kelnhofer returns as the Flyers' starting opposite. Last season he finished with 236 kills and had ten double-digit kill matches. Against UC San Diego Kelnhofer notched 16 kills and tied a career high with six blocks.

"I'm looking for David to dominate the right side and really get to the next level," Friend said. "He is an incredibly gifted athlete and has been working to improve his overall game."

Freshman Brian Schmidt will play a support role for the Flyers.

"Schmidt brings height and wingspan to the position and will compete down the road," Friend said. "He is improving daily and is working hard to make the team better."

Freshman Gustavo Cintron will redshirt this season.

"Our plan is to redshirt Gustavo, build some size, and acclimate him to our system," Friend said. "He is a remarkable player and will make a big impact in years to come."

LIBEROS
Junior Nick Perakes enters his third season as the starting libero. Perakes led the conference with 2.64 digs per game in MIVA matches. He recorded ten digs or more in ten matches on his way to a team-high 233 digs. Against Ball State on April 4 he set a rally scoring era school record with 20 digs.

"Nick controls the backcourt for us with great tenacity and energy. He is the backbone of our serve receive and defense which is key in keeping our offensive attack consistent," Friend said. "I'm looking for an all-conference year from him."

Sophomore Tom Garvey and Jake Conrad will backup Perakes.

"Garvey will contribute in several capacities this year on and off the floor," Friend said. "He has one of the most consistent jump serves on the team and will look to be involved frequently in matches."

"Jake is a gifted defensive player who has also been steadily improving the rest of his game," Friend said. "He will push for time at the libero spot this year."

SETTERS
After earning the starting spot last season, junior Jordan Vidovic returns as the Flyers' setter. Vidovic's 895 assists led the team in 2007 and helped him finish 18th in the nation in assists per game with 11.93. In MIVA matches only Vidovic topped the conference with 12.66 assists per game. Against Loyola on March 13 he set a rally scoring era school record with 73 assists.

"Jordan has great hands and really knows how to run our offense," Friend said. "He brings experience which will help us get to that next level."

Friend brought in two transfers to add depth to the setter position. Sophomore Mike Iandolo comes to Lewis from Long Beach State where he started three matches and recorded 67 assists against Cal State Northridge. In high school he was named a Fab 50 player by Volleyball Magazine.

"Mike has physical presence and is very athletic," Friend said. "He has a fantastic work ethic and will compete to run the offense."

Junior Andy Frontz transfers to Lewis from Grossmont Community College in El Cajon, Calif. where he was an all-conference player.

"Andy will redshirt this season and will focus on refining his skills," Friend said. "He's an incredibly smart player and his presence at practice will help the team daily."

SCHEDULE
The Flyers' regular season begins in Pennsylvania when they face national power Penn State on Friday, Jan. 11 and play Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association finalist Saint Francis (Pa.) on Saturday, Jan. 12.

"Opening at Penn State and St. Francis provides us an opportunity to open some eyes," Friend said.

Lewis faces Lees-McRae on Friday, Jan. 18 at Neil Carey Arena to kickoff their home schedule. The following day BYU makes their first ever-visit to Lewis. The two squads have hooked up nine previous times but this will be the first time the three-time national champions travel to Romeoville, Ill. The Flyers will host the Lewis Invitational on Feb. 22 and 23. UC San Diego and California Baptist come to Neil Carey Arena to play both Lewis and Loyola.

"The Lewis Invitational will be a great weekend of volleyball," Friend said. "With two California teams and two solid Midwest teams in one place it will be exciting for the community and a great showcase for our program."

For the spring break weekend in the first week of March the Flyers head to the west coast to face a couple of top Mountain Pacific Sports Federation teams, UCLA and USC.

The MIVA schedule features its typical slate of solid competition with defending MIVA Champion IPFW playing at Neil Carey Arena on Friday, Feb. 15.

As the Flyers begin their season Friend feels good about where they are. "We are capable of a lot of things and are heading in the right direction," Friend said. "It's pretty awesome to be part of the building process to see what this team can achieve. This is a rare opportunity to reassemble a program and compete at the national level. We have the talent and workhorses to achieve that."