Colorado State University Athletics
Rams game notes - Volleyball hosts Hilton Classic to open season
8/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 29, 2008
Complete Release in PDF Format 
The Rams begin the season hosting the Hilton Classic for the 21st time dating back to the first tournament held in 1986. Since 1999, CSU is 24-3 in the Hilton Classic. Below is a schedule for the weekend:
Friday, August 29
- 5:00 p.m. Eastern Washington Light Uniforms, Denver Dark Uniforms
- 7:30 p.m. Colorado State Light Uniforms, Arkansas Dark Uniforms
Saturday, August 30
- 10:00 a.m. Arkansas Light Uniforms, Eastern Washington Dark Uniforms
- 12:00 p.m. Colorado State Light Uniforms, Denver Dark Uniforms
- 5:00 p.m. Denver Light Uniforms, Arkansas Dark Uniforms
- 7:30pm Colorado State Light Uniforms, Eastern Washington Dark Uniforms
THE BIG YEAR IS HERE
The 2008 volleyball season has arrived and the expectations in Fort Collins for the Rams are as high as ever. The Rams, who return all but one starter from last year’s 23-8 team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament, are the preseason favorites in the Mountain West and have several returning standout performers. All-American middle blocker Mekana Barnes is back after being named a third-team AVCA All-American in 2007. Conference Setter of the Year Ashley Fornstrom, also returns along with fellow senior, Jaime Strauss, an all-region and all-conference selection in 2007. A slew of other talented players return for Head Coach Tom Hilbert - the MWC co-coach of the year last year who has led the Rams to 13 consecutive NCAA appearances.
THE MOUNTAIN WEST’S BEST
As the Mountain West Conference begins its 10th season of play, it is clear which team has been the most dominant in volleyball - the CSU Rams. Colorado State has won or shared six league crowns in nine seasons and has also captured four tournament titles during that time.
BARNES IS BACK
For just the second time in school history (Sherri Danielson in 1994-95), CSU volleyball returns an All-American from the previous season as middle blocker Mekana Barnes returns for her senior season following her selection as a third team AVCA All-American as a junior. Barnes also captured Mountain West Conference Player of the Year honors after earning MWC Player of the Week honors a record four times during the year.
BRING IT ON
The Rams will be looking to make their 14th consecutive NCAA appearance this season and if they do, they will be well tested. In 2008, CSU will face three top 25 opponents this season (No. 8 Florida, No. 20 BYU and No. 24 Long Beach State) and will also meet three teams that received votes in the poll (Pepperdine, Utah and Arizona). In addition to the regular-season schedule, Moby Arena will play host to one of four NCAA Regionals, Dec. 12 and 13 in Fort Collins.
HOME SWEET HOME
Since Tom Hilbert’s arrival in Fort Collins, Moby Arena has become one of the premier home courts in the country. CSU’s home court advantage has been one of the keys to the Rams’ success. Last season, the Rams went a perfect 14-0 mark at Moby Arena and have gone a sparkling 156-21 (.881) record at home since 1995.
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
While the senior class is expected to be the key for the Rams in 2007, the team should get major contributions from some of its underclassmen. Junior libero Katelin Batten played in all 110 games last season and set the school record for digs in a season (463) and digs per game in a season (4.21). Redshirt junior Tessa Nelson will return to her middle blocker position as she comes off a year in which she appeared in all 31 matches and posted a career-high 130 block assists. Sophomores Jacque Davisson, Audrey Hemmings, Emily Koenning, Dan¬ielle Minch and Crystin Rodrick all return after earning letters last season while redshirt freshman Katelyn Stef¬fan is poised to make her CSU debut in 2008.
