Women's Volleyball Tests New RAC Building for Monday Game

By Broadside Sports Editor Brian Chan

The George Mason University women’s volleyball team will test the waters at the new RAC Building as they take on the University of Minnesota Gophers on Monday at 7 p.m. 

Mason also welcomes four freshmen to the 2009 team.

Senior outside hitter Rebecca Walter, who was named to the preseason All-CAA team, will look to have another strong offensive year. 

Last season, Walter led Mason with 3.31 kills per set, which was third in the CAA. Senior middle blocker Laura Turner finished second in the CAA with 32 aces while fellow senior opposite hitter Sam Simmonds ranked fifth on the team with 91 kills.

Sophomore outside hitter Noelle Fanella was a bright spot on the team last year after being named to the CAA All-Rookie team. 

Head Coach Pat Kendrick returns for her 25th season, hoping to make a sleeper out of Mason in the CAA.

Mason went 9-18 last season, winning five of their 14 conference matches. After a 1-5 start, Mason went on to win three consecutive matches, but would only follow with a seven-match losing streak. 

Their streaky season concluded with Mason winning their last three matches.

After hosting the D.C. Volleyball Challenge last week, Mason will have a tough test in the Gophers, who entered the season ranked 11th in the nation according to preseason poll. 

Junior middle blocker Lauren Gibbemeyer and outside hitter Brook Dieter totaled 762 kills for the Gophers last season. 

Dieter was named to the Second-Team All-America while Gibbemeyer was placed in the third team as the Gophers posted a 27-7 overall record.