Experienced UB Volleyball Squad Looks To Excel In 2019

Bridgeport, Conn.-The University of Bridgeport women's volleyball team, under the direction of sixth-year head coach Gary Mullin, will enter the 2019 season with an experienced team that has 11 student-athletes back from last year's roster.  This year's edition of the Purple Knights' spikers will be looking to propel the squad into the seventeenth straight East Coast Conference Championship Tournament appearance for the program, plus battle for a NCAA Division II National Championship berth for the first time since 2015.

Helping to lead the way on offense for UB will be senior, right side Emily Burford  (Albuquerque, N.M.), a Second Team All-Conference selection in 2018.  Burford averaged 2.52 kills per set last year leading Bridgeport with a total of 237.

She will be joined at the net by classmate Morgan Knight (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), who led UB in kills per set at 2.54 last year, plus sophomore Amanda Keller (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), last season's team leader in hitting percentage (.343) and blocks (0.85 b/s).

Orchestrating the Bridgeport offense this season will be sophomore setter Carly Killorin (Centennial, Colo.), who takes over from four-year starter Ellie Rich.

On defense, look for junior Klein Johnson (San Antonio, Texas) plus sophomore Breanna Jones (Littleton, Colo.) to shine. In 2018, Johnson led Bridgeport averaging 4.38 digs per set, and Jones averaged 3.79 digs per set.  Breanna also led UB in service aces last year.

Talented all-around player, senior Amanda Hennemann (Nova Petropolis, Brazil) is a versatile player who is a key to the Purple Knights' success both on offense and defense.

Twin sisters, sophomore Danielle Kreitler and Megan Kreitler (Shelton, Conn.) return for Bridgeport after gaining valuable experience during their debut season's in Hubbell Gym.

A couple of big additions to this year's team will be the return of a pair of Purple Knights who battled injuries last season in seniors Claire Anderson (Oak Harbor, Wash.) and Makayla Maroney (Parker, Colo.).   A healthy 2019 campaign from Anderson and Maroney would give head coach Mullin even more experience and depth in his program.

Mullin welcomes a pair of talented newcomers to this year's group in freshmen Emma Werning (Ft. Collins, Colo.) and Datari Mathis (New Britain, Conn.).

The UB women's volleyball program will open its 2019 schedule at home on Monday, September 9 when the Purple Knights host Goldey-Beacom.  This year's slate of matches features 10 contests at home.

Click here for a complete look at the 2019 University of Bridgeport volleyball schedule.