Washington 2023-24 volleyball preview

WASHINGTON — Washington volleyball brings back a plethora of talent from their 2022-23 squad.

It’s primed to be a great season for Demon volleyball as they return much of their statistical leaders from a year ago.

When it came to hitting the ball a year ago, no one did it better for the Demons than Leighton Messinger and Ella Greiner.

Messinger, a now sophomore, finished with 194 kills last season to lead the Demons. Greiner, who is now a junior, totaled 138 kills.

After graduate Alex Murphy’s 119 kills, now senior Maci Williams and sophomore Taylor Miksch each had 62 and 58 kills.

Also making a comeback is junior Lauren Hinrichsen. Hinrichsen was the Demons go to setter, finishing with 270 total assists.

Graduate Haley Mitchell will be missed though as she followed with 212. Hinrichsen and Mitchell were the only two Demons to have triple digit assists.

On the defensive end, Messinger led the Demons with 301 total digs. That was by far the most on the squad as she was the sole player to go over 200. Greiner followed with 183 and Ruby Witthoft ended with 165.

When it comes to blocks, Murphy will be a strong missing piece. She led Washington with 55 total blocks.

As far as serving, Mitchell was the leader a year ago. Mitchell tallied 326 successful serves with 36 aces.

After her, the five next highest all return.

Messinger ended with 257 successful serves and 31 aces. Witthoft, Hinrichsen, Greiner and Isabella Salazar all had double digit aces as well.

Washington finished last season 9-24. They will look to top that this time around.