Freshmen plentiful on volleyball squad

Story and Photo by James Kelley

The Pima Community College volleyball team is paying the price for enjoying extra sophomores last year. This year, the team only has three sophomores.

The Aztecs (0-3, 0-2 Arizona Community College Athletic Conference) will rely on lots of freshmen, but head coach Dan Bithell still likes this team.

“We’ve got a lot of new players, we’ve got a pretty young team this year, but I really like our chemistry,” Bithell said.

There are four ranked teams in the ACCAC, No. 13 Eastern Arizona College and No. 24 Yavapai College in division I and No. 7 Scottsdale and No. 11 Glendale Community College in division II. The Aztecs are in division II.

“It’s going to be tough,” Bithell said.

Though the Aztecs only play one home match until the latter half of September, Bithell sees that as a blessing in disguise. Only one team gets to host Regionals, so the Aztecs will likely have to play on the road.

“Obviously it is always great to get a bunch of wins under your belt to start the season but ultimately I think it will help us, make us more mentally tough,” Bithell said.

Ashley Hamilton

Last year, Pima finished two matches out of a playoff spot.

All-American Liz Alford, who transferred to Northern Arizona University and All-ACCAC Kelsee Rupp are the Aztecs’ biggest losses.

Outside hitter Ashley Hamilton is Pima’s top returning player. Last year she averaged .720 blocks per game, 1.50 kills per game .050 assists per game, .350 aces per game and .500 digs per game.

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