Huntingdon, Pa.- The Juniata College men's volleyball team traveled to Hawaii to face some of the best competition in the country while also taking in some historical sights and Polynesian culture.
Before facing two Divison I opponents, #5 University of Hawaii who advanced to the final four and #12 University of Southern California, alongside fellow Division III opponent Stevens Institute of Technology, the team took in some sights. Reigning CVC Coach of the Year Glenn DeHaven 07' talked about why he decided to take his team to slightly warmer weather.
"It truly was a one in a lifetime kind of experience that really helped bring the team closer and enrich the squad in ways beyond just volleyball. We saw Pearl Harbor, hiked at Diamond Head National Park and went to a luau."
While the weather and sight-seeing were great, there was the benefits of playing top-flight volleyball as well.
"This allowed us to face some of the country's top talent, in all divisions, in a very unique atmosphere at the University of Hawaii," stated DeHaven. "The matches gave us additional stuff to work on and was a humbling experience over all. Playing against bigger and more physical teams forced us to try different things and raise our volleyball IQ."
The CVC coaches poll was released last week, and the Eagles were tabbed to finish first again in the West Division (Conference newcomer Kean was picked first in the East Division).
CVC West Division
1. Juniata (36 points), 9 first-place votes
2. Marymount (24 points)
3. Eastern Mennonite (22 points), 1 first-place vote
4. Southern Virginia (13 points)
5. Thiel (5 points)
CVC East Division
1. Kean (35 points), 8 first-place votes
2. Rutgers Newark (26 points), 1 first-place vote
3. Ramapo (23 points), 1 first-place vote
4. Cairn (10 points)
5. Neumann (5 points)
"The trip was a preseason of sorts, we truly open our season this Friday at against Wittenberg at the Wittenberg Invitational. We return most of last year's Elite Eight team, and have a balance of upper and lowerclassman who we will call upon " DeHaven said.
Juniata picked up 36 total points in the poll, receiving nine first-place votes. They bring back 16 players including six starters from last season. Quinn Peterson (Las Vegas, Nev./Shadow Ridge), a junior, is back after totaling 434 kills, 150 digs, and 69 total blocks last season while earning All-Conference honors. Seniors Mahlon Bender (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin), who tallied 190 kills, and Matt Vasinko (Loyalhanna, Pa./Derry Area), who tallied 202 kills, give the Eagles' attack depth. Another senior, Chris Heron (Las Vegas, Nev./Arbor View), amassed 267 digs last year and joins the duo in adding to the on the court experience. Sophomore setter Michael Young (Westlake Village, Calif./Westlake Village) returns after topping 1,000 assists in his freshman campaign with the Eagles and helping the team finish atop the league in hitting percentage.
Other sophomores who will be expected to contribute heavily are Joe Fick (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township), Sean Cavanagh (Cranberry Twp., Pa./Seneca Valley) and David Hibner (Burke, Va./Lake Braddock Secondary).
"This season, much like last season, we hope to continue to build a winning and cohesive culture. As long as we continue to focus on our team goals of getting better and making good choices, we should be in a good position."
