The 2017 UCF Volleyball season opens up this Friday and UCFKnights.com will preview each position group for the Knights, as they enter their 10th campaign under head coach Todd Dagenais.
SETTER
Each of the three setters on the 2017 UCF volleyball team have a unique background that will give the Knights a different look throughout the season. Returner Miranda Watkins, transfer Erin Olson and freshman Alex Fisher will spring the attack this year.
"It's nice to have two college-ready setters on our team who can go out and play right now," head coach Todd Dagenais said. "The only question is will one of them run it in a 5-1, or will we run a 6-2 to get both of them in there. If it's the latter, it helps to have setters who are accomplished. The team trusts the both of them to run the offense. "
Watkins returns as one of the leaders on the squad with two seasons in Orlando on her resume. The Tallahassee, Fla., native earned the starting job as a rookie in 2015, and climbed up to ninth on the career assists list with 1,428.
"Miranda really leads a group of setters right now with experience," Dagenais posited. "She's had some big matches under her belt. Miranda studies and really learns what is best for the offense."
Olson starts her first season with UCF after playing for Bradley last season. The Brave turned Knight averaged six assists per set in Peoria, Ill., in just 97 sets.
"Erin comes in with the confidence of already playing at the collegiate level," Dagenais added. "She certainly already understands the offense, as well as Miranda does. Erin has a great feel for the game."
Fisher has already made great strides during the opening weeks of practice. Dagenais believes learning from Watkins and Olson, as well as her fearlessness, will help her grow into a strong setter for the Knights.
"You can already see the improvement that Alex has made," Dagenais continued. "She's learning from two really good setters right now. Once she starts to understand the offense and how to isolate people into gaps, look out. She has the ability to take off."
DON'T MISS OUT
UCF Volleyball hits the court for its 10th season under head coach Todd Dagenais. Don't miss a single minute of action at The Venue. Visit UCFKnights.com or call (407) 823-1000 for ticket information.
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