Western Oregon Journal

New coach, new season, new opportunities.

The Western women's volleyball team aims to improve upon last season's 8-18 record under the leadership of first-year head coach Joe Houck, who previously coached at Barlow High School in Gresham-winning three prep state titles-and at Concordia University in Portland.

This year's squad will rely on a balance of some experienced upperclassmen and a host of talented newcomers. Junior outside hitter Mandy Veley (6-0) is a top returner for the Wolves after receiving Honorable Mentions All-GNAC honors a year ago.

Veley currently leads the conference with 4.37 kills per game. Senior setter/defensive specialist Shawn Paulino (5-6) will also contribute after playing a significant role on last year's squad.

Six freshmen dot the roster. They include Stacy Bennett (6-3), an outside hitter/middle blocker out of Westview High School; Laura Sakala, a 5-11 middle blocker from Beaverton High School; Katrina Johnson (5-10), an outside hitter from Mt. Spokane High School in Spokane; BriAnne Laverty, a 5-9 outside hitter from perennial state powerhouse Central Catholic High School; Sharon Peterson, a 6-2 middle blocker from Corvallis High School in Montana; and Brianne Sykes, a 5-10 right-side/outside hitter from LaSalle High School in Milwaukie.

The squad's current record is 5-8, which includes a 3-2 comeback victory over Humboldt State on Sept. 24. The Wolves spotted Humboldt a two-game lead before roaring back to win three straight games and the match. Western's next two contests are on the road in Alaska: On Sept. 29, the squad faces Alaska Fairbanks at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Wolves will square off against Alaska Anchorage, also at 7 p.m.

Their next home contests are slated for Oct. 6 and 8, against Western Washington and Central Washington, respectively. Both matches have 7 p.m. start times. All home contests are held in New PE.

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