For second-year head coach Chris Keife a new challenge awaits. Last season, he had to focus on integrating himself with a new group of players after moving from Hope International to Azusa Pacific. Now the task has altered, albeit only slightly. Now established as the man in charge, Keife’s next task is to blend a group of 5 returnees with 8 newcomers. However, the caveat lies in the fact that all 8 of the incoming players are freshmen. They will be relied on heavily as the Cougars look to earn their first NAIA Tournament berth since 2000.

Last season Keife guided the Cougars to a 20-13 overall record and a fifth place finish in GSAC play. Azusa Pacific returned to the playoffs after a 1 year absence but lost in the opening round. The Cougars look to end that spell as they welcome back 5 key players, all starters, from last year’s squad. This team may be younger than most in recent memory, but they are more athletic and, simply put, they can play the game.

“We’re bringing back 5 girls who will start this year but since we lost the majority of our upperclassmen we had to recruit a new core of girls,” Keife said about his incoming class. “Each girl that we brought in can play any position well. We’ve filled the voids from last year and we’ll have a lot of options on offense.”

The rate at which it takes the youngsters to gel will be important in determining how quickly the Cougars start out of the gate against some tough competition. But Keife does not seem overly concerned.

“We are bringing back some solid leadership that will set the tone for this year,” he said. “I’m excited about this young group as a foundation because I know they will be here for 4 years. They pass well, block well, and play good defense. We are going to be a deeper team this year.”

Already in place for 2005 are the top-3 team leaders in kills from last season. A pair of All-GSAC middle blockers Jenny Brickner and Chelsea Morgan return along with outside hitter Colleen Walker. The 3 seniors recorded over 335 kills apiece and will be called upon again to provide a substantial amount of offensive firepower. They will also be asked to lead the young, but very talented, recruiting class.

Brickner has become a stalwart blocker in the GSAC and is one of the best players in the history of the program. She now ranks in the top-5 all-time in the Azusa Pacific record book in both kills (918) and blocks (412). Last season, Brickner was third in the GSAC with 120 blocks and fourth in the conference in hitting percentage. Her offensive game was on display in the front row as she blasted 336 kills. For good measure, she also recorded 38 service aces helping Azusa Pacific rank first in the conference in that category.

Morgan’s first year in the program proved to be a successful one. Her 369 kills led the Cougars and she teamed with Brickner to give the Cougars a terrific middle tandem. Morgan also recorded 93 blocks in earning her first All-GSAC honor. She will again be a central element to the Cougars’ offensive attack. Meanwhile, Walker returns after ranking second on the squad with 339 kills. She also led the Cougars with 50 aces. Her all-around game put her on the cusp of postseason honors and she should push the issue even further this year as she will start again at outside hitter.

The focus may be on the seniors but they aren’t the only returnees. A pair of sophomores, Brianne Huff and Alison Pattison, are also back. Huff was a mainstay in the starting line-up last year and figures to again see plenty of action at outside hitter. She tallied 244 kills and 54 blocks in her freshman season after a stellar prep career at Warren High in Downey, Calif. Pattison returns after seeing action in 33 matches last season. She was terrific in her role of defensive specialist recording the highest number of digs on the team with 496. She also ranked in the GSAC top-10 in digs per game with a 4.39 average.

The newcomers bring an eclectic mix of skills to the team and each will be called upon in certain situations. With the loss of Courtney Fox, the setter job is open. The most likely candidate to fill that role is Allison Kincheloe. Last season, her outstanding play at Mater Dei High was recognized on several levels. Kincheloe was named first team All-Sierra League, first team All-CIF Southern Section, and was a member of the CIF-All State Championship team. She led Mater Dei to the CIF Division II state championship game. However, Heather Flores (Centennial High) will be battling Kincheloe for the starting setter position. Flores, who also excels as a defensive specialist, will additionally compete for a spot in the back row. Her complete game includes a solid serve that the Cougars can utilize.

Keife also has brought several freshmen on board that will compete for playing time immediately in the front row. Megan Burch (Riverside Christian High) can play on the outside but is a true right side player. At 6-foot, Burch makes contact with the ball at the apex of her jump so she is able to move it around effectively. She can also put up a very good block. Kelsey Knudson (Christian High), also 6-foot, is an opposite hitter who can drill the ball as well as block. She will be in the mix to see action in the front during situations when the Cougars need a big block or hit at certain times.

Brittany Brown (Pacific Union Prep High) is another versatile front row player with tremendous jumping ability. She will contribute defensively and compete for playing time on the outside. Kasey Brooks (Liberty High) can play a variety of positions and lend a helping hand in any situation. Listed as a setter and right side front row player, Brooks also brings special intangibles to the team. Her energy and work ethic will be an invaluable asset to the coaching staff.

Laura Stiles (Wilson High) and Mindy Taylor (El Dorado High) round out the group of 8 freshman as incoming defensive specialists. Stiles is a great athlete who will make an impact on the floor whenever she plays. Not only full of energy, she has exceptional ball control and defensive skills and will pushing for playing time as either the libero or in the back row. The same applies to Taylor who has good ball control skills and defensive capability. She will infuse the team with her energy and work ethic that looks to improve daily.

“The one thing, athletically, that I really wanted to accomplish this year was to bring in players who could ‘play’ volleyball. I wanted players who could perform all the skills of volleyball well,” said Keife. “I really feel that the talent on our team has increased and will give us more options to play with this season.”

The Cougars will open their season August 26-27 at the Fresno Pacific Tournament.