Third Time Could Be Charm
For Mercy
By Mike
Dyer
The third time could be a
charm for members of this year’s senior class on the Mercy
volleyball team.
After Division I state
runner-up finishes in 2006 and in ’04, the Bobcats have 12
seniors and three juniors this fall. Mercy coach Denise
Harvey, in her 11th season at Mercy, said her
squad is “hungry for more.”
“We have experience and ball
control that gives us the edge,” Harvey said.
Mercy returns senior outside
hitter Missy Harpenau, who has orally committed to
Cincinnati. Harpenau had 404 kills, 300 digs and 24 aces
last season.
Senior setter/libero Michelle
James, who has committed to Niagara, had 238 digs and
senior middle hitter Kelly O’Conner had 134 kills and 34
blocks. Junior outside hitter/setter Stephanie Vorherr, a
Division I college prospect, had 222 kills and 307 digs.
Mercy (24-5) tied with Mount
Notre Dame for the Girls’ Greater Cincinnati
League-Scarlet division title last season. Both teams went
7-3.
This year, MND is ranked No.
6 nationally by PrepVolleyball.com. However, John Tawa, an
analyst for the Web site, said Mercy should be right in
the mix this season because of their frontline players
that include strong setters.
Despite the loss of setter
Samantha Viox (Western Michigan) to graduation from last
year’s team, the Bobcats should be a very strong defensive
squad, according to Harvey.
“I wouldn’t forget about
Mercy,” Roger Bacon coach Caryl Schawe said. “Everyone is
back but their setter. I think they’ll be strong.”
