The future of the University of Maine at Presque Isle women’s volleyball program looks very bright.
This year’s team is off to what some would call a very surprising start, as they are at 6-2 on the season.
Although some may be surprised at how well the team has done thus far, first-year head coach Terry Cummings knew from day one that his team was going to have a strong, competitive season.
“In the past, when most teams saw UMPI on their schedule, many immediately considered it to be almost an automatic win,” Cummings said. “This is no longer the case.”
So what has been the key to the change in such a short time? “The girls have been absolutely wonderful to coach,” he added. “They have done whatever I have asked of them, and they are hungry and determined to learn and improve. They now expect to win.”
Both Cummings and his athletes believe they have a very good chance of winning the NAIA Sunrise Conference championship this year. A big part of that success is found in the team personnel. Junior captain Erica Davis of North Yarmouth has been outstanding as the Owls’ middle hitter. Davis leads the team in kills, which helps to intimidate her opponents. She adds experience to the Owls and has a strong desire to win this year.
Sophomore Megan Korhonen of Littleton is another returnee from a year ago. Korhonen leads her team in assists as its best setter and has the ability of making the crucial play when needed. The only other returnee from a year ago is sophomore Victoria Rowe of Houlton, who has really stepped up her game this year. Rowe does all the little things well and has added much needed leadership to the Owl team. She is the motivator on the floor, helping to keep her teammates focused and ready to play.
Newcomers to the 2008 squad include junior Michelle Ferry of Princeton, a transfer from Maine Maritime Academy. She brings a winning attitude to the team, a valuable addition because she knows what it takes to win. She has fit in very well as a natural leader who does it all for Owls on the court. Her ball control and defense are excellent and she’s also a strong attacker.
Another rookie and welcome addition to the UMPI team is junior Johannah Bubar of Riverview, New Brunswick. Bubar is an outstanding and talented athlete, who also shows a great deal of versatility on the court. Freshman Karen Creighton of Sussex, New Brunswick, has adjusted well to the college game. She continues to improve as her confidence increases.
“As a first-year coach, I couldn’t be more pleased with the effort and attitude of the girls,” Cummings said. “These are a great group of student-athletes. They have been in some close matches, but have always risen to the occasion and increased the intensity of their play.”
Rounding out the Owl team is freshman Samantha Carpenter of Hodgdon, who continues to improve everyday. “I expect great things from Sam in the future.” Another first year player is junior Amanda Moss of Presque Isle. “Amanda has never played on a team before, so it has been a great experience for her thus far, and the team has welcomed her with open arms.”
The women’s schedule doesn’t get any easier the rest of the way, with non-conference matchesplanned against Maine Maritime Academy and Lyndon State College Saturday and a single match against Unity set for Sunday..
“I would encourage everyone to follow this team because they’re an exciting group to watch,” Cummings said.
Contributed photo/ UM-Presque Isle
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM – Members of the University of Maine at Presque Isle volleyball team are, in front from left, Victoria Rowe, Amanda Moss, Megan Korhonen, Samantha Carpenter, and Johannah Bubar. Back row, Head Coach Terry Cummings, student assistant Jennifer Gladle, Michelle Ferry, Erica Davis, student assistant Rochelle Miller, Karen Creighton and Assistant Coach Crystal Cummings.
