Thursday, August 24
Macomb (0-0) vs. Alpena (0-0)
12:00 p.m. | at North Central Michigan (1525 Howard St., Petoskey, MI 49770)
Live Stream
Friday, August 25
Macomb (0-0) at North Central Michigan (1-3)
9:00 a.m. | at North Central Michigan (1525 Howard St., Petoskey, MI 49770)
Live Stream
Friday, August 25
Macomb (0-0) vs. Alpena (0-0)
1:00 p.m. | at North Central Michigan (1525 Howard St., Petoskey, MI 49770)
Live Stream
QUOTABLES: COACH DOOGIE
Fifth-year head coach
Lauren "Doogie" Duquette will enter the season with a new-look lineup as three returners and eight newcomers combine to make up the 11-player 2023 roster. Prior to the start of the regular season, we sat down with Coach Doogie to get her thoughts on this year's team.
"I am excited about this team," said Coach Doogie during a preseason interview. "This preseason, we placed extra emphasis on team building and—because of how great this group is—I can honestly say they already have a special bond and are a FAMILY. I'm excited to coach this team and I can't wait to get the season underway."
IT ALL BEGINS THURSDAY
The 2023 edition of Macomb Volleyball will get underway Thursday (Aug. 24) in Petoskey at the Buffalo Wild Wings and Corktown Pizza Timberwolves Quad. The Monarchs open the quad Thursday at noon against Alpena Community College and will turn around to play two matches Friday, the first against host North Central Michigan College at 9 a.m. and the latter at 1 p.m. opposite Alpena.
NEW YEAR, NEW FOCUS
The new-look Monarchs enter the season with a renewed focus and are determined to help the program rebound from a 2022 campaign that ended with a 5-14 record. One of the key challenges will be finding ways to replace the production of two-year starters and All-Conference honorees,
Natalie Husson and
Khloee Stoll, who combined for over 270 kills and 1,150 digs at Macomb.
RETURNING PRODUCTION
While replacing some of last year's production will be challenging, the Monarchs have the luxury of three returners who appeared in every match last season and combined for 32 starts. Here's a look at the three returners and a key stat from each last season:
Mallory Cardinale (34 kills),
Chante Hudgins (53 blocks) and
Becca Weiss (111 digs).
A LOOK AT: ALPENA
Not much is known about Alpena as they have yet to play a match in 2023, but last season the Lumberjacks were near .500 with a 6-8 record overall and a 4-6 mark in the MCCAA North. The Lumberjacks do return Allie Urlaub, their 2022 leader in assists and digs.
A LOOK AT: NORTH CENTRAL MI
Unlike Alpena and Macomb, North Central Michigan will enter this week's quad with regular season match experience after the Timberwolves posted a 1-3 record at the highly-competitive Opening Weekend Tournament. Ava Wendel paces a balanced Timberwolves attack with 34 kills, while Analiese Fredin leads an equally balanced defense with 24 digs through four matches.
MEET THE NEW MONARCHS
Time to meet the talented, eight player Macomb Volleyball recruiting class! Help us welcome the following newcomers:
Grace Amoe (L'Anse Creuse),
Jakayla Bennett (Chandler Park Academy),
Paige Elliott (Detroit Country Day),
Katarina Gavric (Salem),
Nikole Nikolova (Henry Ford II),
Lexi Pogasic (Romeo),
Hadley Schaefer (Parkway Christian) and
Adeline Tresnak (Dryden).
HUDGINS PRIMED FOR BIG SEASON
Joining the team last season after originally playing women's basketball at Macomb, sophomore MB/OPP
Chante Hudgins has gained another year of valuable experience and is primed for a breakout 2023 campaign. Last season, Hudgins was third on the team in both kills (83) and blocks (53) through 19 matches (12 starts).
MACOMBMONARCHS.COM
Want to catch up on the latest news, scores, stats, live stream info and more? Bookmark our official athletics website, MacombMonarchs.com, your one-stop-shop for the latest Macomb Athletics news. We recap every match and have stats available shortly after each contest.
