Rio Grande --- The 2010 version of the University of Rio Grande RedStorm volleyball squad will have a nice blend of experience and youth, and a boatload of talent as third-year head coach Billina Donaldson is ready for her team to take the next step in the rebuilding process.

Rio Grande posted an 18-19 overall record in 2009 while finishing in third place in the Mid-South Conference with a 9-5 mark.  The goal for this year's squad is to be on the plus side of the .500 mark. "We have set a goal - we want to finish the season well above .500," said Donaldson. "Rio volleyball hasn't had a .500 season since the 1990's (23-21 in 1998)." (Rio nearly finished .500 in 2006 with a 19-20 overall record). "We would like to win 22 to 24 games this year," Donaldson added.

Rio Grande has eight key returners from a season ago, led by Mid-South Freshman of the Year and All-MSC performer Erin Sherman (South Webster, OH). The 6'2" sophomore middle hitter led the RedStorm in kills (388), attack percentage (.338), kills per game (3.03) and blocks (149) last season. 

"Erin was selected to the all-region team as a freshman last season and this year we would like to see her continue that success," Donaldson said. "We hope to add a teammate to that (All-MSC) team (this year)."

Fellow sophomore Whitney Smith (Albany, OH) is back this season. Smith was second on the team in kills (321), kills per game (2.51) and serve aces (53) in 2009.

Senior middle hitter Rachel Walker (Ironton, OH) is back to provide leadership and steady play at the net. Walker was third on the 2009 squad in both kills (179) and blocks (86). Senior Ashley Bloom (Worthington, OH) should be much more comfortable in her second season as a setter. Bloom posted 624 assists (4.84 per game) last year after having never played the position before. She was also the team leader in serve aces with 73. 

Junior Kati Moore (Lancaster, OH) is another key contributor back from last year's squad. Moore (177 kills and 92 blocks) was a factor at the net and Coach Donaldson will need her to step up this year as well. 

Also back from last year's squad are a trio of sophomores in Tresa Swatzel (Shade, OH), Kaci Shoemaker (Rio Grande, OH) and Erin Moore (South Webster, OH).  All three players were on the court quite a bit last season and will be expected to carry more of the load in 2010. 

Donaldson talked about keys to success for this year's team. "The key to our success this year will be the ability to show up for the big games," Donaldson said. "We have so much talent this year; we just have to have confidence when we walk on to the court."

"Another key factor is going to be the noticeable difference in sophomores Whitney Smith and Tresa Swatzel's game," Donaldson added. "They came in, in such great shape. They jump higher and hit harder. The improvement of their game is really going to push us ahead in several games." 

Donaldson went out and brought in a very strong recruiting class, many of the newcomers will be counted on to make a mark this season.

Freshman Kayla Landaker (Coshocton, OH) will provide depth at the setting position and if Donaldson employs the 6-2 formation from a year ago, Landaker and fellow newcomer Kelsey Martin (Jackson, OH) will push for time with Bloom. 

Sophomore transfer Lauren Raines (Albany, OH) will man the libero position for the RedStorm. Raines played last fall in a reserve role for Ohio University. Raines is one of four players from Alexander High School on the 2010 squad (along with Whitney Smith, Nicole Ogg and Tresa Swatzel). "Having four girls on my team from Alexander will be nice for us," Donaldson said. "Tresa played at Alexander a couple of years and the chemistry between her, Whitney, Lauren and Nicole is great." 

Twin sisters Caity and Cindy Willis from Athens High School will also see playing time this season for the RedStorm. Caity is another option at the setter position and Cindy will play some at the outside hitter spot. 

Jaymie Rector (Heath, OH) is over from the softball team. Rector is very athletic and will provide depth at the outside hitter position while Ogg, a freshman, will challenge Shoemaker for playing time at the defensive specialist position.

As the RedStorm prepare for the season, Donaldson's main concern lies with how quickly the young setters will mature. "We are still fairly young," Donaldson said. "I am concerned about my three freshmen setters being able to make experienced decisions." 

Rio Grande will once again have a challenging schedule in 2010, but they get a chance to get off on the right foot with three early matches in the friendly confines of the Newt Oliver Arena. "We are looking forward to hosting the ‘Aces in August Classic' on August 27 and 28," Donaldson said. "We also are excited about having our first three dates of the season at home."

"As far as the rest of the schedule, we always enjoy the trip to Lebanon, Tenn., to play in the tournament at Cumberland and we would love to bring home a few wins from there," Donaldson added.

Donaldson will have a new first lieutenant this season as former Houghton College standout Holly Motheral has joined the staff as a graduate assistant, replacing Lynnette Kiesling. "Holly has the passion for the game of volleyball that we look for in coaches," Donaldson said. "She has a stand up and take-charge attitude and is not afraid to jump into a situation and take it over, to get things done."

"She shows great enthusiasm toward her position and has hit the ground running," Donaldson added. "I am excited and proud to have her in our program."

Donaldson and the RedStorm are extremely optimistic about the 2010 season and can't wait to get underway. "We are bigger, stronger, faster and more experienced," Donaldson said. "We cannot wait to turn heads this season."

"The girls on the RedStorm volleyball team are ready to start swinging."

Rio gets the season underway on Thursday, August 26 versus former American Mideast Conference foe Point Park. The match will begin at 6 p.m. inside the Newt Oliver Arena. 

For a complete schedule and more information about the Rio Grande volleyball team or any of the other athletic programs at Rio Grande, please log onto www.rioredstorm.com.