With seven players leaving the program in the offseason, the 2015 NC State volleyball team will have a completely new identity.
One thing that remains constant is the Wolfpack’s uncertainty at the setter position. However, with two seasoned veterans already in competition for the spot and one promising freshman on the rise, the Wolfpack’s position battle is not a bad problem to have.
During State’s 2014 campaign, senior Tanna Aljoe and junior Maggie Speaks split time as the starting setter. Aljoe, a transfer from San Diego State, was the Pack’s consistent starter in 2013, but was challenged by the younger Speaks the following year.
Prior to the team’s scrimmage Saturday at Broughton High School, head coach Bryan Bunn said the position was still “wide open,” with the final decision likely not coming until after the team’s first invitational tournaments.
Though there is no clear favorite in the Wolfpack’s most-heated position battle, both Aljoe and Speaks have certain areas of the game in which they excel.
Throughout her time with NC State, Aljoe has displayed a high level of leadership. One of the most vocal players on the court, the senior has consistently encouraged her team during games, even when sidelined.
Now a captain, the Grapevine, Texas native has proven to be a role model for the younger members of the Pack. Aljoe said instilling an aura of confidence in her teammates is her top priority as a leader on the team.
“Confidence is a big key in the game of volleyball,” Aljoe said. “The game happens so fast, and you have to go to the next point right away, and if you don’t have that confidence that you’re going to get that next pass or next kill, it’s going to be brutal.”
Aside from being a vocal presence, Aljoe also makes an impact on the defensive end of the court. Last season, she was fourth on the team in digs per set with 1.86, the highest among non-defensive specialists.
On the other hand, Speaks is a consistent offensive threat for the Wolfpack, as she played middle blocker in high school. The Camden, South Carolina native totaled more than 100 kills last season, averaging out to 1.24 per set.
“Offensively, [Speaks is] a threat at the net because she’s a good size setter, so teams have to be aware that she’s in the front row,” Bunn said.
The junior’s signature move is a dump shot at the net on the team’s second hit, usually when she is setting the ball for a teammate. Speaks said it’s a great option to stay aggressive offensively and keep the defense guessing.
“If I see there’s no blocker there and it’s a good pass, I’ll dump it,” Speaks said. “It really keeps the blocker on the other side on their feet, because they never know if I’m going to set it or dump it.”
While it seemed like Aljoe and Speaks would be the Pack’s only options at setter this season, the duo may have some unexpected competition, as freshman Becky Porter made a splash at the team’s scrimmage Saturday.
Porter held her own while playing on the same team as Aljoe, and Bunn said he expects her to rev up the competition for the starting job.
“Becky will push for the spot,” Bunn said. “She’s a freshman, so she’s got a lot to learn, but she’s doing a great job.
Though the three will be battling for the starting job for the 2015 season, Aljoe said she and Speaks have been very supportive of one another in practice as veterans of the team.
“Maggie and I are having a lot of fun working together,” Aljoe said. “Having three setters, it keeps it very competitive. I’ve tried my best to be a mentor and teach Becky as much as I know.”
With three solid options to run his offense this season, Bunn will be able to focus his energy on preparing his team to build on its success from the past few seasons.
