Volleyball season preview: Middles and Liberos

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University volleyball team returns all three of its middle blockers this season but will need to fill a void at libero when the 2017 season begins on Friday afternoon.

This is the first part of a two-part season preview for the Bryant volleyball team. BryantBullogs.com will preview the opposites, outsides and setters on Wednesday.

Bryant's group of middles and liberos will be the two youngest groups on the court, featuring three sophomores, a freshman and a junior. Despite the youthfulness, the Black and Gold are hoping for big things from the groups.

In the middle, junior Grace Richmeyer (Desoto, Mo.) is the elder statesman and will be joined by sophomores Brianna Bruny (Biscayne Park, Fla.) and Sydney Gorski (Chagrin Falls, Ohio). Richmeyer had a strong 2016 in which she appeared in 63 sets and totaled 85 kills and 46 blocks. Gorski showed signs of dominance last year, posting 1.43 kills per set and 46 blocks, while Bruny will look to make a bigger impact with increased playing time.

"Grace is leading the charge with her court IQ and smart hitting," head coach Theresa Garlacy said. "Brianna will use her quickness and athleticism to hit over and around the block and we look forward to the return of Sydney who guards the net with her expansive wingspan."

Behind them, sophomore Nikki Kim (River Edge, N.J.) and freshman Erika Ward (Rochester, Mich.) will be patrolling the court. Kim will see an expanded role this season after appearing just 17 sets as a rookie. She picked up 31 digs in her limited time. Ward enjoyed an outstanding career at Stoney Creek high school, setting school records for digs in a career (1,312) and digs in a season (741). She was also named a 2017 Ultra Ankle JVA All-National Team pick as one of the top JVA players in the nation.

"Both are competing neck-and-neck daily and challenging each other," Garlacy said. "Both are extremely vocal which is needed for a libero. Erika is serving and playing great defense, while Nikki is serve receiving very well. It's going to be a battle for this position."

Both groups will be put to the test quickly as the Bulldogs open the season with a three-game weekend at the Titan Tournament hosted by Cal State Fullerton.