September 1, 2015
2015 DVC Volleyball Preview
The 2015 Diablo College Vikings Volleyball Team is ready to take the court.
The Diablo Valley College women's volleyball team has just four returners, but coach Jackie Ponciano-Babb expects the new-look team to be very competitive.
The Vikings will open at home against Yuba and Shasta on Friday in the Vikings Classic.
Versatile Jade Lee of Northgate is a key freshman newcomer who will switch back to middle hitter after playing right-side hitter as a senior. Lee led the powerful Broncos with 309 kills in 2014.
Ponciano-Babb knows the athletic Lee well, having watched her compete since her freshman year in high school.
“She will be a force to be reckoned with because she has a heavy hand,” Ponciano-Babb said of Lee. “She’ll hit hard. She’s a big block. She moves well for a big girl and she’s like a beast at the net, which is great because that’s what we need.”
Freshman Sita Manoa of Concord High, who was a libero her senior year and can also play on the front row, is an important addition.
Jamie Chow of Piedmont, a sophomore academically, is a newcomer at setter. Sophomore Krisha Carpio is a defensive specialist.
Returning libero Kanoe Pruett, an all-Big 8 honorable mention pick out of Hercules, worked hard during the summer and is looking good. Returner Noelle Zleisides, a San Ramon Valley graduate, is transitioning to the left side after excelling on the right and dabbling as a setter last year.
Ponciano-Babb re-positioned Zleisides because the team has a shortage of front row players. She has taken well to the move.
“I see her coming into practice with a smile from ear to ear, so she’s all for wanting play outside left up front, a left-side hitter, which is great,” Ponciano-Babb said. “I think she will be effective. She’s a great all-around player.”
The Vikings opened last season with nine straight wins before finishing 6-8 in the Big 8 and 15-9 overall.
Ponciano-Babb hopes the team will be strong enough to advance to the playoffs, which is always the goal.
- Matt Schwab