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Lions ready to surprise

Steve Virgen

When the Vanguard women’s volleyball team had five players leave

the squad last year, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It

was then -- after a season with a forgettable record (6-25, 2-18 in

the Golden State Athletic Conference) -- that the Lions concentrated

on filling the spots with difference-makers, including three who

should provide Vanguard with improvement and excitement this season.

“We had five players who were released or decided they didn’t want

to compete at this level anymore,” said Vanguard Coach Erikka

Gulbranson, who is in her second year after assisting at USC for

three years. “We are significantly better with the new players we

have. I think some people are going to wonder where did Vanguard come

from. Vanguard volleyball is definitely different.”

The Lions feature three NCAA Division I transfers. Junior Jamie

Hedin (5-foot-8) and Sarah Bosch (6-1) have transferred from the

University of North Carolina-Greensboro. The two outside hitters are

expected to make an instant impact.

Sophomore Stephanie Pfau earned a scholarship to play at Cal State

Northridge, but the 5-11 middle blocker decided to set her sights on

Vanguard. Aside from the three newcomers, the Lions will also be

strengthened by the return of sophomore setter Jennifer Johnson and

freshman Krystal Lee, who is expected to be one of the best defenders

in the GSAC.

“She is lightning quick,” Gulbranson said of Lee. “She will knock

down chairs to get to the ball. She is super fun to watch. We joke

with her every day, saying that she needs a helmet.”

Freshman Keri DeHaas, a 5-7 setter from Mayfair High, figures to

add depth, and 5-9 freshman Jaclyn Lee, “a real smart front row

player,” will also contribute.

The middle of the pack is a logical finish, time will tell.

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