Tough act to follow
Former Wolf Pack middle blocker Karly Sipherd goes for a power hit in the 2006 Western Athletic Tournament. Sipherd is second on Nevada's all-time blocking list.
Nevada replaced one of its strongest senior classes in school history this season.
The Wolf Pack lost three seniors at three critical positions on the offensive side of the ball: outside hitter Teal Ericson, middle blocker Karly Sipherd and setter Ashley Miller.
“Our losses from last season have forced us to build a more balanced offensive attack,” Nevada coach Devin Scruggs said.
The balanced attack includes junior Sonnie Sei at setter, sophomore Lindsay Baldwin at middle blocker and sophomore Kylie Harrington at outside hitter.
Replacing three Nevada greats won’t be easy for the young Wolf Pack.
Ericson is No. 3 on Nevada’s all-time list in kills with 1,540, Miller is No. 6 on Nevada’s assist list with 1,845 and Sipherd is No. 2 on Nevada’s blocks list.
“The young players are being forced to fill in and gain experience,” said Sipherd, who has stayed on the team as an underclassmen coach for the Wolf Pack and will graduate in December. “Because of all the losses from last season, the team is being forced to learn fast, which will benefit them this year and next year.”
Harrington and Baldwin have led Nevada in kills this season with 173 and 152 in 15 matches. Ericson and Sipherd ended last season with 468 and 382 kills in 27 matches.
Sei has 464 assists this year compared to Miller’s 1,083 assists.
“Last year was an exclamation mark season,” Sipherd said.
Nevada finished fourth in the Western Athletic Conference with a 10-6 record in the WAC. Nevada finished 16-11 overall compared to 2-4 in the WAC this season and 6-9 overall.
“Last year was a good way to end our athletic careers,” Sipherd said.
Sipherd was named to the WAC second-team her first three seasons at Nevada, but made first-team her senior year.
Ericson was also named to the WAC first-team last season, while Miller made WAC second-team.
“That was one of my main goals last season,” Sipherd said. “I set out that year on an individual goal to finally get first-team. It really felt good to complete something I really wanted.”
Sipherd wants to teach high school history after she graduates, but loves her job on Nevada’s coaching staff.
“I hope they can appreciate what I can offer,” she said.
Miller also still works as a volleyball trainer. She is a certified personal trainer and teaches volleyball to young people age, 13-17.
Ericson studied abroad last season in Spain and has a bachelor’s in English literature.
Emerson Marcus can be reached at editor@nevadasagebrush.com
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