Bearcats Poised for Breakout Season

By Brandon Chinn, Athletics Communications Writer

SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University volleyball team has won 12 matches in each of the past two seasons. But with a veteran-filled lineup in 2015, the Bearcats are ready to surpass that dozen-win mark as they embark on their season-opener in the Lone Star state.

Leading the charge will be senior outside hitter Sarah Fincher (Reno, NV/Bishop Manogue/Southwest Baptist Univ.), who has been nothing short of outstanding since arriving on campus as a sophomore transfer in 2013.

Fincher pounded out a team-high 285 kills in 2014, good for third most in the Northwest Conference. She was named Second Team All-NWC, marking the second consecutive season in which she received conference honors (First Team in 2013).

Joining Fincher on WU's attacking front is another dangerous playmaker in the form of junior Alexa Dowdell (MH/OPP, Mililani, HI/Maryknoll HS). Dowdell finished second on the team with 184 kills and third in digs (203) in 2014.

Playing in between Fincher and Dowdell on the front line, Taylor Lum (So., MH/OH, Honolulu, HI/Maryknoll HS) serves as a net presence for the 'Cats.

Lum is the top returning blocker for Willamette in 2015 after tying with Fincher for second on the team in blocks last season (48). Her .205 hitting percentage was also second on the team and the highest of any returning player.

Peyton Wahl (So., DS/LIB, Richland, WA/Richland HS) emerged as a go-to defensive option in the back row last season. She led the team with 373 digs and ranked seventh in the conference with 4.24 digs per set.

Another defensive weapon that eighth-year Head Coach Tom Shoji will be able to utilize is newcomer Kaylen Higa (Fr., DS/LIB, Mililani, HI/Punahou School).

Higa is no stranger to winning, having helped guide Punahou School to a state championship as a senior in 2014.

The Bearcats are projected to finish fifth in the NWC Women's Volleyball Coaches Poll, directly behind Linfield who is slated in fourth and Puget Sound in third.

Whitworth and Pacific Lutheran -- co-conference champions from a season ago -- are projected to finish first and second.

Willamette opens conference play at home against Linfield on Sept. 18. The Bearcats will also enjoy a season-long four-game home stand from Sept. 25 to Oct. 2.

WU will conclude its 24-game schedule at home against Whitman on Nov. 7.