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Davenport University Athletics

DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY PANTHERS
Hayley Carr
Walter Cronk

Women's Volleyball Justice Steiner, Manager of Athletic Communications

Preview: Panthers Open Season in Colorado

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport University women's volleyball team is heading west for its opening weekend, set to compete in the Oredigger Classic, hosted by Colorado School of Mines. The Panthers will play four games in total between Friday and Saturday.

Impact Players to Watch
Coming off a breakout sophomore campaign, Abby Alan will look to continue that success into her junior year. A season ago, Alan earned Second Team All-GLIAC honors and led the squad in kills (354), kills per set (3.40), points (406) and service aces (34). 

Leading the way in the sophomore class a year ago was Hayley Carr, earning Honorable Mention All-GLIAC honors. She was the only Panther to play in all 105 sets, serving as the primary libero for DU. In 2024, she led the team in digs (404) and digs per set (3.85), while ranking second in assists (73). The Hudsonville, Mich. native notched 20-plus digs in four matches.

Scouting the Opponents
South Dakota Mines
Series Record: First Meeting
Last Meeting: n/a
About the Hardrockers
  • Finished last season with a 18-9 overall record, going 11-3 in conference play. 
  • Fell 3-1 to six-seeded Colorado Christian in the opening round of the R-MAC Tournament. 
  • Head coach Lauren Prchazka earned R-MAC Coach of the Year honors in 2024.
  • Hannah Benes is the top returner for the Hardrockers, as she was named the R-AMC Defensive Player of the Year last season, while also garnering First Team All-Conference recognition. 
  • Picked to finish fourth in the R-MAC Preseason Coaches Poll.

Colorado School of Mines
Series Record: CSM leads 1-0
Last Meeting: 8/24/18 - Colorado Mines defeated Davenport 3-0 in Golden, Colo.
About the Orediggers
  • Finished last season with a 9-17 overall record and a 5-9 record in conference play. 
  • Roster is composed of 13 returners and six newcomers (four freshmen and two transfers).
  • Picked to finish 10th in the R-MAC Preseason Coaches Poll.

#22 Washburn
Series Record: First Meeting
Last Meeting: n/a
About the Ichaboda
  • Finished last season with a 21-8 overall record and an 11-5 record in MIAA action.
  • Earned a spot in the NCAA National Tournament, falling in the second round to Central Oklahoma (No. 6 seed) in five sets. 
  • Ranked No. 22 in the AVCA Coaches Poll.
  • Alex Dvorak headlines the group of returners for her senior season after earning AVCA All-American Honorable Mention honors in 2024.
  • Picked third in MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll.

Colorado Christian
Series Record: CCU leads 1-0
Last Meeting: 9/9/23 - Colorado Christian defeated Davenport 3-0 in Allendale, Mich. 
About the Cougars
  • Finished last season 19-11, going 9-5 in conference action.
  • Fell in the first round of the 2024 NCAA Regional Tournament to No. 1 seed Angelo State. 
  • Renee Phillips was a Second Team All-Conference selection and was named to the All-RMAX preseason list for the 2025 season. 
  • Picked to finish third in the R-MAC Preseason Coaches Poll.

Live Coverage
Friday, Nov. 5 vs. South Dakota Mines (1 PM) - Live Video  - Live Stats
Friday, Nov. 5 vs. Colorado School of Mines (4 PM) - Live Video - Live Stats
Saturday, Nov. 6 vs. #22 Washburn (12 PM) - Live Video  - Live Stats
Saturday, Nov. 6 vs. Colorado Christian (4 PM) - Live Video - Live Stats

All times are listed in EST.
 
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Players Mentioned

Abby Alan

#21 Abby Alan

OH/RS
6' 0"
Junior
Hayley Carr

#11 Hayley Carr

DS
5' 7"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Abby Alan

#21 Abby Alan

6' 0"
Junior
OH/RS
Hayley Carr

#11 Hayley Carr

5' 7"
Sophomore
DS