Junior Rachel Wells was the Bulldogs’ most versatile player in 2011. She played in the back row and was a defensive specialist.Wells sparked Asheville with her defense and serving. With injuries to the Bulldogs, she jumped in and played on the outside and right side. “Rachel did a good job in all the positions she played last season,” stated Santos. “She was ready for any challenge. Rachel is a hard worker who just finds a way to be on the court.” Jamie Dorfman was a pleasant surprise for Asheville in 2011. She earned a spot in the back row and became one of the Big South’s best servers. Dorfman led the Bulldogs and was third in the Big South in service aces at 0.36. However, she could have a new role in 2012. “Jamie was great as a server last year and got us a lot of points with her serving,” explained Santos. “Her role this season may be a little different as we’ll want her to focus on being a setter. She has the skills to be our setter. Sophomore Lisa Riggsbee didn’t play much as a freshman. She’ll provide depth as a setter and in the back row.
The Bulldogs have added six freshmen to the roster and all have the potential to play right away for the Blue & White. Start with versatile rookie Katie Davis, who can play both as an outside hitter and a setter.
Holly Shelton
Santos has two local players as a part of Asheville’s freshman “Katie understands the game quite well and is a phenomenal class. They are 6-1 right side Emily Bare and 5-11 outside hitter Jenny player for us to have in our program,” admitted Santos. “She is very Sims. Bare played at Roberson HS, while Sims excelled at Carolina good at both hitting and setting and she’ll do both for us this seaDay. son.” “Emily gives us depth on the right side,” stated Santos. “She’s a Bryn Pfeiffer is a libero from Raleigh who should battle for playversatile player who is physically very gifted. ing time right away.
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“Lisa made progress in the spring and works hard,” stated Santos.“She’ll potentially see some playing time this year in the back row and as a serving specialist.”
“Jenny gives us depth in the middle and is also a good all-around “Bryn is an excellent defensive player who will challenge for player,” added Santos. “She’s a hard worker and is always ready to playing time on the court,” said Santos. “She’s a hard worker who play.” we’re looking forward to watching play this season.” Santos believes his 2012 team has potential, but there are some Santos has brought in two freshmen from Florida who could questions that need to be answered. make an impact as rookies. They are 6-2 right side Catherine Fischer and 5-11 outside hitter Christine Lakatos. Fischer is from Miami, “First and foremost, we have to establish who our setter will while Lakatos hails from Lauderhill. be,” said Santos. “We have some options and could even go with “When I was coaching at Barry (Miami), I first saw Catherine a 6-2 attack if we need to, but we have to figure out what to do Fischer play and was very impressed,” declared Santos. “She’s a lefty there. who plays on the right side. We believe Catherine has a tremendous “We also need to figure who are outsides are going to be,” amount of potential. She’s also played as a setter and could possibly added Santos. do that this year in our program. “As I said earlier, we’ve got to have good chemistry and find our “Christine provides us with a lot of depth on the outside,” exbest combination to win on the floor. That may take a few matches, plained Santos. “She is a solid all-around player who can pass, hit, play but I think once we get there we have the potential to have a good defense and block. Christine will work hard to be o the floor this team.” year.”
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