Temple University Athletics
Volleyball Looks to Take the Next Step in 2017
8.22.17 | Women's Volleyball
PHILADELPHIA – Already cementing itself as one of the top programs in the American Athletic Conference, the 2017 Temple Volleyball team looks to take the next step – postseason play. The Owls have had three-straight 20+ win seasons, and have defeated every American Athletic Conference opponent in each of the past three seasons. This year's team looks beyond that stat however, with eyes on the NCAA Tournament.
THE TEAM
> Temple returns nine letter winners from the 2016 season that saw the team go 22-8 overall, finishing third in the conference.
> The Owls finished with an RPI of 47, the best finish for the program since the 2002 season.
> With five starters returning, Temple looks to build on last season's success with some talented newcomers in the mix.
PIN HITTERS
> Temple has two of the best pin hitters in the conference returning – seniors Irem Asci (OH) and Izzy Rapacz (RS), both unanimous pre-season All-Conference selections.
> Asci is a back-to-back first team All-Conference selection, averaging 4.34 kills and 2.87 digs per set in 2016.
> Rapacz is a two-time All-Conference selection, nabbing first team honors last season, averaging 2.96 kills and 2.61 digs per set.
> Senior Dara Peric, a terrific back row player, and the 2014 American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year, returns with veteran leadership.
> Temple will add sophomore Dana Westfield (who redshirted the 2016 season) and rookie Katerina Papazoglou, hailing from Thessaloniki, Greece, to the mix at the corners.
MIDDLES
> Temple will have to fill the shoes of Kirsten Overton, a 2016 All-Conference selection, but has several veteran middles that will see time.
> Junior Iva Deak averaged 1.53 kills per set last season, also finishing third on the team with 82 total blocks.
> Senior Janine Simmons has played in 47 career matches for the Owls, finishing second on the team in blocks in 2015.
> Junior Carla Guennewig played in 15 matches last season, recording five matches with multiple kills.
> Freshman Baleigh Jean-Philippe will add depth to the middle this season.
SETTERS
> The Owls have a pair of veteran setters in senior Kyra Coundourides and junior Hannah Vandegift.
> Coundourides was the starter last year, averaging 10.90 assists per set, and was selected as just the second CoSIDA Academic All-American in program history.
> Vandegrift appeared in 16 matches last season recording 102 assists, including 31 against Hampton.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS
> Junior Mia Heirakuji returns after taking over the starting libero duties last season.
> Heirakuji led the Owls with 3.38 digs per set, recording double-digit dig totals in 20 different matches.
> Freshman Averi Salvador will compete for playing time, coming to the Owls from Hawaii.
POST-SEASON
> Postseason play has eluded the Owls since the 2002 season.
> A second postseason tournament in the mix this year – the newly established National Invitational Volleyball Championship.
> In each of the last three seasons, the Owls would have been near the top of the NIVC field, but this season they have their sights set on the NCAA tournament.
FIRST TIME OUT
> The Owls open the 2017 season at the Maryland Invitational.
THE TEAM
> Temple returns nine letter winners from the 2016 season that saw the team go 22-8 overall, finishing third in the conference.
> The Owls finished with an RPI of 47, the best finish for the program since the 2002 season.
> With five starters returning, Temple looks to build on last season's success with some talented newcomers in the mix.
PIN HITTERS
> Temple has two of the best pin hitters in the conference returning – seniors Irem Asci (OH) and Izzy Rapacz (RS), both unanimous pre-season All-Conference selections.
> Asci is a back-to-back first team All-Conference selection, averaging 4.34 kills and 2.87 digs per set in 2016.
> Rapacz is a two-time All-Conference selection, nabbing first team honors last season, averaging 2.96 kills and 2.61 digs per set.
> Senior Dara Peric, a terrific back row player, and the 2014 American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year, returns with veteran leadership.
> Temple will add sophomore Dana Westfield (who redshirted the 2016 season) and rookie Katerina Papazoglou, hailing from Thessaloniki, Greece, to the mix at the corners.
MIDDLES
> Temple will have to fill the shoes of Kirsten Overton, a 2016 All-Conference selection, but has several veteran middles that will see time.
> Junior Iva Deak averaged 1.53 kills per set last season, also finishing third on the team with 82 total blocks.
> Senior Janine Simmons has played in 47 career matches for the Owls, finishing second on the team in blocks in 2015.
> Junior Carla Guennewig played in 15 matches last season, recording five matches with multiple kills.
> Freshman Baleigh Jean-Philippe will add depth to the middle this season.
SETTERS
> The Owls have a pair of veteran setters in senior Kyra Coundourides and junior Hannah Vandegift.
> Coundourides was the starter last year, averaging 10.90 assists per set, and was selected as just the second CoSIDA Academic All-American in program history.
> Vandegrift appeared in 16 matches last season recording 102 assists, including 31 against Hampton.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS
> Junior Mia Heirakuji returns after taking over the starting libero duties last season.
> Heirakuji led the Owls with 3.38 digs per set, recording double-digit dig totals in 20 different matches.
> Freshman Averi Salvador will compete for playing time, coming to the Owls from Hawaii.
POST-SEASON
> Postseason play has eluded the Owls since the 2002 season.
> A second postseason tournament in the mix this year – the newly established National Invitational Volleyball Championship.
> In each of the last three seasons, the Owls would have been near the top of the NIVC field, but this season they have their sights set on the NCAA tournament.
FIRST TIME OUT
> The Owls open the 2017 season at the Maryland Invitational.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
DS/L
/ Women's Volleyball
MH
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
/ Women's Volleyball
OH/RS
/ Women's Volleyball
DS/L
/ Women's Volleyball
MB
/ Women's Volleyball
OH
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