This coming
Saturday, the Pioneers will host the first round of the Conference Play-date at the
NI campus in the Pioneer Athletic Center. Play will begin about 10 a.m. and
continue until about 4 p.m. Times have yet to be published by the conference
commissioner.
Coach Herron is hoping for new player to gel quickly and
understands that it will take time to do so. Coach commented, “We have some
players with great practice experience who have worked hard in practice to refine their
skills and strength. These can only be ‘proven’ in the fire of the
competitive court, so we will see what we need to improve as we start play.”
Justin Delizo, Travis Jacobs, and Andrew Schilling will contend for the setter
position vacated by All-Conference setter—Aaron Debutiaco. The middle hitter group should be strong with Isaac Cummins (third-year starter) and Andrew
Summers (first-year starter). The OH members will involve Micah Herron
(Conference MVP in 2010; currently on IR) and Aaron Wright (talent untested from
Texas); Andrew Schilling (third-year starter) will also help here. Steven Yates, a
newcomer last season, will be expected to contribute and score points from
either RSH or OH. Bryce Guerrero, Arren Quezada, and Josh Netz show some promise
to contribute as well. Coach Herron commented, “I am pleased with the number of
young men we have in the gym wanting to play. There has to be the effort to
learn and improve as well. This is a game that takes a disciplined effort to
improving skill as well as a desire to succeed.”
The NI men
will host their first home match on Tuesday, February 8, against UWGB at 7:30 p.m. in the
Pioneer Athletic Center. The community and campus are invited to attend.