Hancock Volleyball Set for 2014 Opener Wednesday

Armed with three All-Conference sophomores, the Allan Hancock College women's volleyball team has set high expectations for the 2014 season. The Bulldogs open the season on Wednesday, August 27, 2014, at home against Taft at 6 p.m. inside the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium.

Julio Molina returns for his seventh season as head coach of the women's volleyball program.  His squad features eight players, but Molina is not worried. "All of our players are solid athletes who will all receive playing time and contribute," said Molina.

The Bulldogs will look to bounce back from last year's 3-21 record.  They'll be led by outside hitter Brianna Farley (Cabrillo High School), setter Nikki Friend (Cabrillo High School) and middle blocker Gabrielle Lecates (Eagle River High School).

"Brianna has always had tremendous power as a hitter. She has really developed into an outstanding outside hitter. I expect big things from her," said Molina. Farley was named to the All-Western State Conference Second Team last year. She finished second on the team with 190 kills and ranked fifth in the conference with 308 digs.

"Nikki has really worked on her blocking and has the best jump serve on the team," said Molina of his 5'3" setter. "The ball is coming out of her hands perfectly and her timing and placement is spot on." Friend earned All-WSC Honorable Mention honors last season after she dished out 551 assists.

"Gabi is a very smart middle, who's hitting and ability to read opponents have really improved. She's faster and jumping higher because of her conditioning," said Molina. Lecates, an All-WSC Honorable Mention one year ago, led the Bulldogs with 197 kills and 57 blocks as a freshman.

The team is rounded out with five freshman, all from the Central Coast. Brittany Bolusan (Lompoc High School) is an outside hitter described by Molina as possessing a lot of athletic ability. Liberos Rebecca Davis (Lompoc HS), Cristine Flores (Pioneer Valley HS) and Marisa Rodriguez (Nipomo HS) will be counted on defensively all season. Lompoc High School graduate Lauren Powell, a 5'8" middle blocker, will also see significant playing itme.

"All of our freshman have a strong grasp of our team concepts and soaking everything in," added Molina. "We all play really well together as a team."

Following the home opener, the Bulldogs play at Cerro Coso on Saturday at 11 a.m. They'll return home to host College of the Desert on September 12, at 6 p.m. and Cerro Coso on Sept.13, at 2 p.m.