VOLLEYBALL

Four starters return from the Ithaca team that reached the regional finals of last year’s NCAA tournament. The Bombers have played in the NCAA tournament each of the last six years.

Sophomore setter Jen Salmon was an AVCA all-region selection as a freshman after recording 1,031 assists. She has a veteran group of hitters to compete with, including senior outside hitter Rebecca Helmetsie, a four-year starter. Last season Helmetsie ranked first on the team in kills (345). Juniors Karen McCord, Stephanie Raefski, and Gail Shippee are coming off successful sophomore efforts. McCord led the team with 453 digs and collected 204 kills. Shippee was second with 451 digs, averaging 3.7 per game, while Raefski averaged 3.0 digs per game and played in 35 matches.

Photo: Stephanie Raefski. Photo by Tim McKinney.