Aug. 24, 2006

Honolulu, HI- A new year marks a fresh start for Head Coach Glennie Adams and the Chaminade volleyball program.

Only one season removed from an NCAA tournament appearance, Chaminade is poised to make last year a distant memory. The Silverswords past successes are something this team hopes to duplicate. There will be no shortage of veterans to lead the way as the Lady Swords returns nearly everyone who saw significant playing time to go along with an exciting cast of newcomers.

Returning to lead the way on attack will be Trina Kauliakamoa and Marijana Stanic. Kauliakamoa, a sophomore, showed off tremendous potential on the outside as a freshman last year as she led the Swords with 4.50 kills per game and a total of 351 on the year. "Trina is a gifted and athletic volleyball player. We will rely on her improve upon last years performance" said Coach Adams.

Outside hitter Marijana Stanic returns for her senior year after coming off a season-ending knee injury this past year. Before the injury, Stanic was second on the team in kills averaging 3.46 per game to go along with her serving ability. Coach Adams on Stanic, "Marijana is still a few weeks away from being 100% and is continuing with her rehabilitation. Even at 80% she will definitely see action in the back row. We will also count on her tough serve to get us much needed points."

The team suffered a set back when returning setter Nikolina Rastovac was lost for the season due to a back injury. Rastovac, a senior, battled injury throughout last year after coming off a Pac-West All-League performance as a sophomore. She led the team in assists averaging 10.24 per game to go along with 1.21 kills per game. However, her replacement, Tamara Kauliakamoa also returns, and saw significant action last year. Kauliakamoa had a season high 33 assists against conference rival BYU-Hawaii last year. Tamara is expected to be a major part of the Sword game plan this year. "Although we will certainly miss Nikolina being on the court, we are confident that Tamara will run a nice offense. Their styles differ greatly. While we will miss Niko's offense, we are excited about Tamara's defensive abilities" stated Coach Adams.

The middle is an area that the Lady Swords hope to continue to build this year. Senior Brittnee Fonnesbeck returns after a solid junior season. The senior middle blocker will be counted on to add a presence both defensively and on the attack. Fonnesbeck lead CUH in block with .85 per game to go along with 193 kills on the year. Coach Adams on Fonnesbeck, "Brittnee came back as a much improved middle. She is hitting the ball with much more velocity and consistency and has also improved on her blocking skills."

Big things in the middle are also expected from 6'0 redshirt freshman Vanja Radanovic. Vanja redshirted the 2005 season. "She returned to Hawaii in top shape. We are counting on Vanja's blocking as that is probably her greatest asset, amongst many" said Coach Adams. Also donning the Silversword uniform for the first time will be 6'1 middle, Evelyn Bluthenthal, from Santa Monica City College. Bluthenthal is noted for her heavy arm and will see time in the middle and on the outside. "It helps that all of our middles can play other positions. Radanovic will probably take some swings from the outside too" commented Coach Adams.

Another returner playing opposite is Lila Sapolu. Lila continued to contribute last year as the season went on, and had a season high 12 kills in the last match of the season against UH-Hilo. Coach Adams on Sapolu, "Lila continues to work on her consistency. She will occupy the opposite and see action on the outside."

There is no shortage of defensive specialists to go along with the blockers up front. There will be five on the roster this year. Leading the way will be senior Ashley Elliazar and sophomores Annie Lanoza and Chelsea Powell. Elliazar led the Swords with 261 digs on the year, averaging 3.30 per game. Ashley had a season high 32 digs against regional foe Central Washington in the 2005 Hawaiian Style Classic. Lanoza also saw significant time as a libero, appearing in 47 games. Annie had a personal high of 31 digs against UH-Hilo on November 11th and followed it up with 24 digs on November 12th against the Vulcans.

Chelsea Powell also returns to the Swords for her sophomore campaign. Powell appeared in every game for the Swords and was fourth on the team in digs with 128. Chelsea had a season high 11 digs against Central Washington on August 27th. Andrea Molina from Kelseyville, CA also returns for Chaminade. Molina was a redshirt this past season. Also entering the equation is Menlo College junior transfer Krista Catian. Catian is originally from Waianae, HI. "Our defensive specialists will play a critical role for us this year. We have some very athletic people that will handle the offense and blocking. However, we are counting on our defensive specialists to get us points through tenacious defense" said Coach Adams.

Chaminade volleyball again takes on a strong schedule, competing in the always tough PacWest conference against BYU-Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Hawaii Pacific, Notre Dame de Namur and UH-Hilo. The Swords also travel to the always competitive Hawaiian Style Classic, as well as to Alaska Fairbanks for the Auto Service Nanook Classic, which includes a matchup with national power Nebraska-Kearney.