Volleyball News

By Steven Wright

ADA — After one of the most successful seasons in ONU history, having reached the NCAA Semifinals a year ago, the 2009 Ohio Northern volleyball team will look to maintain that level of play once again.

Northern will be led by 19th-year head coach Kate Witte who is approaching the 500-win milestone with a career 488-152 record.

Although the Polar Bears lost two key starters, they return eight letterwinners, including four starters and their libero.

By Steven Wright

ADA — The Ohio Northern volleyball team has been picked to finish first in the Ohio Athletic Conference according to voting conducted by the conference's 10 head coaches.

The Polar Bears received 80 points, including eight of the 10 first-place votes.

Mount Union earned the other two first-place votes and had 69 points, while 2008 NCAA Tournament participant Heidelberg had 65 points.

Ryan Smith/Katie Weininger

By Steven Wright

ADA — Ohio Northern seniors Ryan Smith (Miamisburg) and Katie Weininger (Sycamore/Mohawk) have been named Ohio Northern's Clyde Lamb Award winners for the 2008-09 school year.

The Clyde Lamb Award is given to the top senior male and female student-athletes at each of the 10 Ohio Athletic Conference schools each school year.

By Tim Glon

| Complete 2009 Schedule |

ADA — The Ohio Northern volleyball team will open its 2009 season Sept. 4-5 with the 31st annual ONU Invitational at the ONU Sports Center.

The Polar Bears, who finished 34-5 and reached the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament a year ago under 19-year head coach Kate Witte, will also host Defiance and national-power Wittenberg in other non-conference home action.

Liz Decima

By Tim Glon

ADA — The Ohio Northern volleyball team finished the 2008 season ranked No. 4 nationally in the final Bison/AVCA Division III Coaches Top 25 Poll.

The Polar Bears finished the season with a 34-5 record after advancing to the NCAA III Tournament's Final Four in Blomington, Ill.

Northern also won its ninth consecutive OAC regular season title and its third straight OAC Tournament crown.