Ashland, WI- The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference announced it's pre-season coaches poll today and has the LumberJills picked to finish 8th overall.
The Northland College LumberJills return to the 2017-2018 season with a new hope, fire and determination to prove that they are a team that can compete and win. After a disappointing 2016-2017 season plagued with injuries and uncertainty, the team is stronger than ever.
"I am very proud of my team right now," said Head Coach Kim Falkenhagen. "With everything that they endured last year, those who remain came out stronger for it. They are more determined and focused as ever and are hungry to win."
The program returns 7 student-athletes including
Camille Eastburn (SR, OH, Cedar Rapids, IA—UMAC Honorable Mention All-Conference; Captain, UMAC Top 5 Kill/Set);
Hannah Hitchcock (JR, S, Las Vegas, NV—UMAC Individual Sportsmanship Award, Captain, UMAC Top 5 SA/S); Adrianna Galitieri (JR. Lib, Las Vegas, NV—UMAC Top 5 for Digs/Set); and
Bethany Best (SR. OH, Cable, WI-- Captain). Also rounding out the strength of the returning line-up is
Kendall Kowalczewski (JR., MB, East Aurora, NY—Lead team in overall blocks);
Caitlyn Severson (JR, RS/S, Barron, WI); and
Vivienne Kallio (SO, RS, Houghton, MI)
The LumberJills also have a very talented line-up joining the program this season.
Katelyn Wicks (JR, DS/Lib, Andover, MN) and
Ashley Mokamba (JR, OH, Blaine, MN) come to Northland College after transferring from Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Incoming freshmen include
Justine Litherland (MB, Albuquerque, NM);
Taylor Wiegert (S, Wrightstown, WI);
Amelia Olson (OH/MB, Gilman, WI);
Nora Hagen (OH/MB, Washburn, WI); and
Alexx Knapp (DS, Rhinelander, WI)
"We have a great group of incoming student-athletes," said Falkenhagen. "They are not only talented and will contribute right away, but they fit the personality, leadership, and work-ethic that is necessary to win and that the program is working towards."
The Jills start their season in Cedar Rapids, IA the Coe College Invitational. Their first home match is on September 8
th at 4 PM vs. Rockford College at the 4
th Annual Northland College Invitational.
2017 UMAC Coaches Poll
