Strong depth bolsters Sonoma State volleyball team

Losing a top hitter on the eve of volleyball season Sonoma State showed depth putting the Seawolves back among the nation’s best.

Facing regional powers out of the gate Sonoma State found answers across the floor in splitting four matches. Entering conference play the Seawolves expect to challenge for a championship and seventh straight NCAA appearance.

“We’re a pretty all-around team. I think we’re going to do really well this season,” said Caylie Seitz, an All-American and conference player of the year last season.

Seitz, former All-Empire Player of the Year at Maria Carrillo, helped lead Sonoma State to the most wins in program history and a second-round NCAA appearance.

Sonoma State returns six starters led by three All-Americans - Seitz, Kelsey Hull and Maddy Densberger - while mixing in skilled players stepping up to the competition.

“We have a lot of players who have played at a very high level, and expect to win,” said coach Bear Grassl. “We are still putting defensive and offensive systems in. We are teaching our system and learning as we go.”

The learning curve became even more challenging with injuries to Hull and Ashley Robinson, also a returning starter. Hull remains out recovering from an appendectomy. Robinson is playing through a knee injury.

Thrust into new roles, the Seawolves have played through adversity.

“We knew we were going to have our ups and downs,” Seitz said. “We are competing with the best teams in the region.”

Sonoma State’s strength is a powerful attack. When healthy, the Seawolves have three of the best six outside hitters in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Seitz and Densberger already are hitting and scoring higher than a year ago.

An emerging defense features primary diggers Kaitlyn Connolly, from state junior college champion Cabrillo, and Densberger. Seitz stays in on defense with Hull out.

Anchoring the block are returning starters Rachel Andrews and Robinson.

Setting the hitters are freshman Courtney Seda, out of Maria Carrillo, and first-year starter Lauren Tom.

To approach last season’s success conditioning and health are critical in the grueling CCAA. Cal State San Bernardino was picked to win again in the preseason coaches’ poll followed by UC San Diego and Sonoma State – all three nationally ranked.

Returning to the postseason and making a deeper run are the Seawolves’ goals.

“Our conference prepares us. We’re working hard,” Seitz said.