It seems implausible to think that a season-ending injury in a home opener would be symbolic for the eventual course of a season, but a resilient Ursuline program refused to let that be the case.
As devastating as the loss of talented middle Emily Adkinson was when she crumbled to the court in a five-set win against Walsh on Sept. 15, her impact on the sidelines in a supporting role was significant as the Arrows advanced to the postseason.
While Ursuline would have preferred to stay a little longer in the tournament bracket, a program that underwent a first-year coaching transition with Jayme Plummer at the helm leaves plenty of optimism heading into 2016.
Plummer implemented his philosophies in year one and is ready to next the step in year two.
Ursuline gained valuable experience representing the G-MAC at the Mizuno Midwest Regional Crossover in Aurora, Ill., before beating Davis & Elkins, Salem International and Kentucky Wesleyan in conference action.
The Arrows will be looking to make strides with four impact seniors: Adkinson, Makayla Windau, Emily Loftus and Samantha Marcum. Windau was second on the team in kills with 221 (1.84 kills per set).
Adkinson will be looking to bounce back at full strength to recapture the form that translated into a first-team all-conference selection in 2014. Her leadership is another intangible that just isn’t measured in a box score.
Sophomore setter Katelyn Selleny overcame the collegiate learning curve in a hurry as a true freshman and ranked fifth in the league in assists per set (8.23). Selleny made the all-conference team and is ready to take the next step forward in her development at a vital position.
A key performer gone from a year ago is the graduated Abbie Fabo, a top-10 conference leader in points, kills and kills per set. A top-five libero in digs per set also needs to be replaced as 3.83 per game from Sabrina Kinney is gone from last year.
Plummer shored up his front-row depth with three incoming middle blockers and an outside hitter to comprise his recruiting class.
Head Coach: Jayme Plummer (2nd season)
2015 Record (Overall): 8-24
2015 Record (Conference): 3-7
2015 All-Conference Performers: Katelyn Selleny (Second Team, All-Freshman Team),
Quotable: “I think that kids really understand my philosophy and what we’re trying to do here. They know that we’re working hard to be a successful program. It does take time, but I’m an impatient coach and we’re doing that as quickly as possible. We want to put wins together now -- not two or three years down the road.”
- Ursuline Head Coach Jayme Plummer
Records Watch: Adkinson is the career conference leader in hitting percentage at .337…She is tied for third all-time with 45 solo blocks…Her single-season conference record of .362 in 2014 in the same category also stands…Samantha Marcum is tied for fifth among all G-MAC players with 52 service aces.