Oceana Matsubu is back to lead the Jacks in 2010.
ARCATA – Counting on consistency from her corps of returners, Humboldt State head volleyball coach Sue Woodstra expects the Lumberjacks to move up in the California Collegiate Athletic Association ranks this year.
No less important to the Jacks' success is a roster laden with newcomers. Seventeen Lumberjacks provide Woodstra with options she didn't have a year ago, when the squad was thinned by injury.
"If our older players are consistent in all aspects of the game, we'll do well," Woodstra said. "The young players have to learn a lot from the returners, so we'll take some time letting them work into the system. But we need them all to be able to contribute on a given day."
Returning hitter Oceana Matsubu took the bulk of the Jacks' attacks in 2009, and is back for an even stronger junior season. Her total of 1,141 attempts took over as the all-time single-season mark in HSU history.
"Osh is just a good, solid player," Woodstra said. "She's worked to improve ball-handling and blocking. She's benefited from the experience she's had, and it shows in her game."
Another veteran, Jo Arzadon, switched from multiple duties as a freshman to being the Jacks' primary setter last season. This year, her versatility may come into play again.
"Jo is capable of doing anything we need," Woodstra said. "She may be our full-time setter. We might also use her as a hitter, however."
In the middle, sophomore Allison Drobish (6-2) is back after leading the Jacks in blocking a year ago with 109. She currently stands No. 2 on the single-season record list, but could take over the career category before her four years are completed.
Toni Kroeker (6-0) missed what would have been her senior year in 2009 due to injuries, but is back for another go-round in 2010. She provides more leadership as well as stability in the middle.
"Allison did a nice job for us last year, and learned a lot about helping us in many ways," Woodstra said. "Toni was one of the top middles in the conference as a junior, and should be right back up there if she remains healthy."
Also offering attack possibilities are returners Caitlin Dugan, a sophomore who competed in 29 matches last season, and Callan Finney, another sophomore who achieved 23 service aces to go along with her 111 kills in 2009.
Newcomers who have improved early include Bailey Kotas, another option at setter, and fellow freshmen Clara Bolster and Noel Eaton, both possibilities on the right side.
"We're going to ask a lot of our freshmen," Woodstra said. "They're doing a nice job of fitting in and learning in a short period of time."
Humboldt State goes on the road next week to open its season, participating in the Western Oregon Tournament on Friday and Saturday. The Lumberjacks will face Great Northwest Athletic Conference squads from Western Washington, Central Washington, Alaska Anchorage and the hosts from Western Oregon.
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