The UMPI women’s volleyball team has experienced a lot of success the past two seasons.
During that span, the squad has accumulated 28 wins with only seven losses. Last year, the Owls won the Sunrise Conference Championship while going undefeated in conference play. They are continuing that streak this year as their overall record is 12-4 while staying undefeated in conference play.
“One of the highlights of the season has been beating Husson College in all three matches we played,” said second-year coach Terry Cummings. “This is huge for our program as Husson has been a powerhouse in volleyball for several years now.”
UMPI’s only losses this season have come against two of the best teams in the state in Bates and Maine Maritime Academy. MMA has won back-to-back NAC Championships and has a solid chance for another this year.
“We played them both tough and that has given us a lot of credibility,” Cummings said.
The Owls have three seniors who have had outstanding careers. Erica Davis has been a four-year starter and is considered by many one of the premier players in the state. She leads the team in blocks.
Michelle Ferry, a transfer from MMA in 2008, is a two-year starter who has brought a lot of big-game experience to the team. Both Davis and Ferry were All-Conference and All-Region players last year. The final senior is Johanna Bubar, a two-year starter, who had played soccer and made a quick transition to volleyball.
A natural athlete, Johanna does “whatever is needed,” according to Cummings. “She is a competitor who does not like to lose.”
Rounding out the starters is Megan Korhonen and Victoria Rowe, both juniors, along with sophomore Karen Creighton and freshman Allison MacDonald. Korhonen and Rowe are three-year starters and have improved tremendously. Korhonen is the team’s setter and “does a great job of keeping us in every match with her never say die attitude,” according to the coach.
Rowe is an outside hitter who continues to improve her swing each and every day. Creighton gives the Owls a front row player who compliments Davis, as she is a great blocker as well. MacDonald, our Libero, continues to adjust to the college style of play and will be counted on for bigger things next year as the Owls lose their seniors.
Stacy Bernier, another freshman, continues to work hard in practice and will also be counted on to fill some big shoes next year. UMPI has five regular season matches left before the Sunrise Conference Championship is held Nov. 14 at Saint Joseph’s College.
“We want to repeat as Sunrise Conference Champions and win the rest of our matches,” Cumming said. “This would be a great way to end the season and a great way for our three seniors to end their careers.”
Contributed photo
OWL VOLLEYBALL TEAM – Members of the 2009 University of Maine at Presque Isle women’s volleyball team are, in front from left, Megan Korhonen, Erica Davis, Karen Creighton and Allison McDonald. Back row, coach Terry Cummings, Stacey Bernier, Jo Bubar, Victoria Rowe, Michelle Ferry and assistant coach Crystal Cummings.
