Maja Potpara looks to improve from her 2008 Campaign where she was AVCA National Freshman of the Year
Oakdale, NY- The 2009 Dowling Volleyball schedule features 17 home matches in the friendly confines of Golden Lions Gymnasium where in 2008 the Golden Lions had an remarkable 12-1 record. Dowling will face an impressive schedule in 2009 as the ladies are set to face 10 NCAA playoff participants and 5 of which ended last season in the top 25 poll. Three of the six where in the top-ten including the 2 time defending Division II National Champion.
The season kicks off with a tri-match featuring NE-10 participant, Pace University and a 2008 East Regional participant, Bridgeport.
Next up Dowling will host the Hilton Garden Inn-vitational. The Golden Lions will first defend their home court against Lock Haven, a 2008 Atlantic Regional participant. Hailing from the Heartland Conference St. Mary's University will take on Dowling in the second match of the tournament. The last contest scheduled for the Golden Lions at the Hilton Garden Inn-vitational is 2008 NCAA East Region participant, Bentley College.
The next weekend the Golden Lions will travel to St. Paul Minnesota for the two day Concordia University Tournament. First on the agenda is the #22 ranked Augustana's Vikings who are looking to improve from their 2008 season in which 1st year coach Janelle Hester led the Vikings to a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Championship game. The second match features the 2-time defending Division II National Champion Concordia University-St. Paul Golden Bears. On Saturday Dowling finishes up the tournament with the 2008 #8 and #9 nationally ranked teams. No. 9 University of Minnesota Duluth, who lost in the sweet sixteen to Concordia University in 2008 will be the first contest of the day while second will be #8 Southwest Minnesota State, who's post season run was halted by Minnesota-Duluth in 2008.
The Golden Lions return home for two games against NE-10 foes Pace and 2008 East Regional participant Adelphi before opening up ECC play by traveling to take on the NYIT Bears on September 22nd.
After defending their home court against the Mercy College Mavericks the Golden Lions travel to U-Mass Lowell for a weekend set to take on Franklin Pierce, who will be hungry for action with newly acquired coach Stephanie Dragan and U-Mass Lowell who lost to Merrimack in the first round on the NE-10 playoffs in 2008.
On October 8th Dowling looks to avenge their season ending loss in the NCAA East Regional Championship game against the New Haven Chargers. Two days later the Golden Lions take on # 19 Florida Southern Mocs at Golden Lions Gymnasium.
Dowling wraps up their regular season on November 3rd on the road against the University of Bridgeport Purple Knights.