Submitted Photo Pictured is the Jamestown Community College volleyball team. In the front row, from left to right are, Breanna Gilbert-Hopkins, Mikala Einink, Madison Johnson, Sydney Ulasewicz and Rian Finch. In the back row are, head coach Sally Rudny, Emma McCarthy, Madison Ring, Bri McEwen, Cadance Main, Claire Pumford and assistant coach Maddy Alexander.

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — There’s a new era of volleyball on the Jamestown Community College campus with first-year head coach Sally Rudny leading the way after longtime coach Ashley Lund was at the helm for over the past decade plus.

“It’s been a bundle of emotions preparing for the upcoming season,” said Rudny. “Both equal parts excited as I am nervous being a first-time head coach. After watching our team this past Friday at our Alumni Game, it took a lot of the nerves away. They have been communicating and playing well with one another and it has made me excited for the upcoming season. We have a lot of talent and a lot of student-athletes that want to be the best of the best.”

The Jayhawks return four players from a year ago including setter Madison Johnson (Panama, N.Y./Panama Central), outside hitter Emma McCarthy (Olean, N.Y./Allegany-Limestone Central), middle hitter Claire Pumford (Jamestown, N.Y./Jamestown High), and outside hitter Breanna Gilbert-Hopkins (Falconer, N.Y./Chautauqua Lake Central).

“Our returners have been fantastic in preseason,” Rudny said. “They have been helping put with the younger players whether it’s on the court or reassuring that we have to trust the process if we want to get to where we want to go.”

Johnson had a solid freshman season, being named to the WNYAC All-Conference Team as well as Region 3 Second Team All-Region. Johnson set the pace for the offense, tallying 491 assists which was second best in the region.

McCarthy also had a solid first season with the Jayhawks, being named to the WNYAC All-Conference Team to go along with Region 3 Second Team All-Region honors as well. McCarthy led the team in kills with 188, which ranked best in the region a year ago.

Pumford also earned Region 3 honors, being named Third Team All-Region as well as being named to the WNYAC All-Tournament Team. Pumford was a force in the middle of the net. Leading the team with 30 blocks and second in the team in digs (250) and kills (154).

Rudny brought in a solid class of freshman including outside hitter Rian Finch (Randolph, N.Y./Randolph Central), defensive specialist Mikala Einink (Clymer, N.Y./Clymer Central), outside hitter Cadance Main (Jamestown, N.Y./Jamestown High), libero Sydney Ulasewicz (Allegany, N.Y./Allegany-Limestone Central), middle hitter Madison Ring (Sinclairville, N.Y./Cassadaga Valley Central), and middle hitter Bri McEwen (Silver Creek, N.Y./Silver Creek Central).

“This group of freshman have come in ready to work every single day,” Rudny added. “They give all their effort into every practice, that is something that we appreciate as a coaching staff. If you put in the hard work, the results will come.”

JCC will be tested early and often as their first 11 matches will be played on the road or at neutral site. The Jayhawks open the season up at NJCAA Division II Lakeland Community College today before traveling to compete at the Owens Invitational. At the Owens Invitational, JCC will play Delta College and Division II Kalamazoo Valley CC on Sept. 3. On day two of the Owens Invitational, the Jayhawks will battled against preseason No. 1 Owens CC and NJCAA Division II preseason No. 6 Terra State.