KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The Oregon Tech volleyball team finished 2023 in eighth place in the Cascade Conference standings and were selected eighth in the recent CCC Preseason Coaches' Poll. For the Lady Owls, a climb up the standings is key – with second-year head coach Alexis Garrison and her squad knowing what it takes to make that happen.
 
"We have to take the games we lost last year," Garrison said. We aren't as patient as we were before – last year we were building our culture, now we are building for success.
 
For the 17-player roster, including 10 returners, a winning mindset is key.
 
"It's tougher, it's harder, there is more discipline, there's not as much grace – which sounds tough," Garrison said. "However, they understand what we need to do and are putting in the work each day to meet their expectations and goals."
 
Passing and defense will be crucial to the Lady Owls success, as a mix of returners and freshmen will patrol the back row.
 
Senior Paige Tevelde returns at setter, splitting time last year with the lone 2023 graduate, Brooke Cassidy. Tevelde led the club with 562 assists, adding 100 digs and 33 blocks – logging a career-high 56 assists in a match-up with Bushnell.
 
Along with Tevelde, true freshman Lucy Boyd looks to make an immediate impact. Boyd, who played at Pinnacle High in Arizona and for the Revolution Volleyball Academy, was a 2-time All-Desert Valley Conference pick.
 
The tandem provides the Owls with options.
 
"Paige has put in the work during the offseason to prepare for this year," Garrison said. "She provides leadership and understands our system. With Paige and Lucy, we'll be able to run a 6-2, running two setters in the back row when needed against the taller teams. Lucy has been improving every single day and potentially gives us an opportunity to run one setter, as she can put up a solid block."
 
Tech returns their libero, as Kaley Whalen had a breakout 2023 season, earning All-CCC honors. The junior recorded 544 digs, averaging 4.86 digs per set – both in the Top-5 in the circuit and ranking No. 3 all-time in OIT history. Whalen had 13 matches with at least 20 digs, including a school-record 41 digs in a road win at Evergreen State.
 
Junior Abigail Sorensen, senior Kennedy Kantola and sophomore Sumerlyn Spencer all return to provide experience in the defensive specialist and serving specialist spots. Sorensen led the team last season with 33 aces and finished with 298 digs; Kantola, who can also play at both pins, added 121 digs while primarily playing at the net; with Spencer recording seven aces in limited action.
 
Two freshmen, Alison Miller and Ellie Owen, will battle for playing time in the back row. Miller, from Thunderbird High and Sky Volleyball Club in Arizona, was a 2-time Skyline Conference Defensive Player of the Year, recording 1,168 digs and 184 aces in her prep career. Owen, from Ridgeview High and the Central Oregon Volleyball Club, had a banner prep career, capped by being selected to the 2023 Oregon 5A All-State team.
 
"We will be much improved defensively," Garrison said. "Kaley has such a dynamic personality; she commands the court and wants to win. She brings the leadership to the court when we need it. Her and Abby have a great connection, almost like a dance – knowing where each other is going."
 
The Lady Owls open the season this weekend, traveling to West Palm Beach, Fla., for the Vipers Sports Academy Classic – squaring off Saturday against Webber International (Fla.) and Truett McConnell (Ga.), while meeting host Keiser (Fla.) and Benedictine Mesa (Ariz.) on Monday.