August 20, 2008
 
Cordova Looks Forward to First Season as Volleyball Coach

BILLINGS, Mont. – There’s a new sheriff in town.  Next weekend will mark the debut of Dana Cordova as head coach of women’s volleyball at Montana State University Billings.  The Yellowjackets will head to Rohnert Park, Calif., to participate in the Sonoma State Tournament.   MSUB will open the tournament, Fri., Aug. 29, taking on No. 25 Chico State. The squad will also take on Sonoma State, San Francisco State and Cal State Stanislaus.  Recently Coach Cordova was interviewed about her thoughts on the upcoming season.

Question:              What will be the greatest strength of your team in 2008?

Cordova:               Our greatest strength this year is our depth.  We are very deep in terms of numbers and skills at each position.  That is mostly due to having players who can play both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.  That is going to give us the opportunity to have many different looks and options.  We will be very focused on defense and very explosive on the offensive end.

Question:              Which returning players will be key factors to your team’s success?

Cordova:               Each of our five returning players will be counted on to lead us this season.  Our lone senior, Jessica Lechner, will play a huge role in the success of this team.  She is going to be the glue that will bond this team.  Jennifer Boe and Devon Crotteau, both returning starters, will add a double threat on the outside.  Jill Trabing is being moved to a new position and we will use her agility on the defensive side.  I feel that Jill has the ability to play a big role for us.  Hillary Morrison has a nice touch on the ball and will see time at setter as well on the right side.

Question:              Which incoming players do you expect to contribute this year?

Cordova:               I’m really excited about the newcomers.  There is a ton of ability, size and potential on campus this season.  Rosie Falemaka, Jody Lutz, Melissa Porter and Ashley Welborn are all over six feet tall.  They can play any position, hit the ball and with their size, can put up a big solid block.  Alohanui Pekipaki, a transfer from Otero Junior College, will step in and run the offense at setter. Pekipaki and Morrison will give us numerous options of offenses we can pick from.

Question:              Break down the GNAC.  Who are the teams to beat and how do the Yellowjackets stack up?

Cordova:               Every team in the GNAC is talented, so we need to be ready to play our game every time we step on the floor.  Having said that, Western Washington, who won the GNAC last year, and Seattle Pacific are the two teams at the top of the pack.  Victories over these two schools are key to putting ourselves in position to win the crown.  We were fifth last year and I want to move up in the standings.

Question:              What are your expectations as a new coach for the team this year?

Cordova:               Like every coach in any sport, I want to contend for the conference championship.  Over the past few years, the Yellowjackets have been very successful and I want to build on that success.  I would like to see the team continue to improve with each day.  I want our squad to represent Montana State Billings in a positive manner both on and off the court.  My goal is to develop strong educated athletes who will continue to strive for success in the future.