MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College volleyball team put together a season for the history books in 2024.  The Pioneers completed their first-ever undefeated regular season (22-0), including 12 straight-set victories and powering through a skillful Ohio Athletic Conference schedule.  Despite a heartbreaking loss in the OAC Championship to Otterbein, Marietta made yet more history by not only qualifying, but hosting an NCAA Division III Volleyball Regional.  The season ended with a second round loss to Illinois Wesleyan, but in the end, the Pioneers finished with an unprecedented 24-2 record.

As the page is turned to this new season, the Pioneers will have some changes to get used to, such as the Pioneers' coaching staff.  Kristy Anderson (formerly Newman) enters her eighth season as leader of the program and, despite the new last name, will bring the same passion and drive that has lifted Marietta to the upper echelon of the conference.  Helping her along the way is former three-time All-American Maggie Fellers, who makes the transition from the court to the sideline as assistant coach.  Gone are some key components from last year's record-breaking team, but enough stellar athletes remain and, along with some players ready for their shot, Anderson is pleased with the progress of the program.

"I am so excited for this season," said Anderson. "There is a lot that looks different than the past few years, but I am learning different isn't bad! We are getting to see new athletes to lead, take on different rolls, and grow on and off the court. I cannot wait to see what this group is able to accomplish this Fall!

Coming back is a pair of All-Americans and an All-OAC recipient that will all lead the way on their different areas of the floor. Senior Jillian Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) earned All-American status last season and returns to anchor the Pioneer front line.  Fellers led the team with 309 kills, good for sixth in the conference, and kills per set 3.29, which was fourth in the OAC. Fellow All-American senior Emory Spitler (Lebanon, Ohio/Lebanon) has been one of the OAC's top setters and will return to facilitate the Pioneer attack for one more season. Spitler led the OAC with 10.93 assists per set. Senior Keira Shannon (Roscoe, Ill./Hononegah Community) was named All-OAC last year after leading the OAC in 5.82 digs per set, maintaining her status as one of the fiercest defenders in the conference.

Look for junior middle blocker Annabelle Hacker to make an impact this season. Hacker put together a strong freshman campaign, but saw less action last year.  She made the most of her time and produced well in all her minutes, including a seven kill, four block performance against Wilmington in the conference regular season finale.

The future looks bright for the Pioneers as they have added five newcomers: front line players Camryn Yoho (Marietta, Ohio/Wood County Christian (W.Va.)), Taylor Wake (Massillon, Ohio/Massillon Jackson), and Karley Allwood (Wadsworth, Ohio/Wadsworth), setter Sofia Clark (Wadsworth, Ohio/Wadsworth), and defensive specialist Lily Bond (Tallmadge, Ohio/Tallmadge).  According to Coach Anderson, "We have a class of five freshman that I believe are ready to come in and contribute on and off the court."

The Pioneers will open the season on the road as they participate in the Mount Union Invitational on Friday (Aug. 29) and Saturday (Aug. 30). The Pioneers will battle Clarkson University at 4:00 p.m. and DePauw University at 6 p.m. on Friday. Marietta's first home matchup will not be until September 16 when they host Denison with a scheduled start time of 7:00 p.m.

"Last year was a record-breaking year no doubt and I am so proud of everything that was accomplished," concluded Anderson. "However, it's time to look to this season and the Future of MCVB. Being in the gym with this group of women has me so excited to for this season and what they are capable of accomplishing."

Fans can follow all the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on X and Instagram.