ROCHESTER
2017
SEASON
PROGRAM
Yellowjackets
RCTC VOLLEYBALL | RCTCYELLOWJACKETS.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/RCTCVOLLEYBALL | @RCTCATHLETICS | #ROLLHIVE
2017 SCHEDULE
DATE OPPONENT TIME
VOLLEYBALL
FANS...
On behalf of the students, faculty, and staff of Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC), welcome to our campus and to another exciting year of Yellowjacket sports. As the Interim President of this great institution, I am excited for what the new academic year holds for our student-athletes, both on and off the courts. RCTC strives to maintain an outstanding athletic program, which includes setting examples of good sportsmanship and providing personal growth opportunities for our student-athletes through both academic performance and team experiences. This is accomplished by living our values of being learner-centered and valuing excellence, respect, teamwork, innovation and, along the way, a little fun. In addition to our athletic programs, student-athletes on our campus may choose from a variety of other student life activities that make life-long connections and develop leadership and other life skills. So while on our campus, feel free to tour the entire campus and check out what opportunities await you at RCTC. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find.
GO YELLOWJACKETS!
Mary Davenport, Ph.D. Interim President
2016 SEASON STATS Record: 15-17 • 3rd Place – MCAC Conference
2015 SEASON STATS Record: 27-6 • NATIONAL CHAMPIONS • Region 13A Champions • Hosted Regionals • MCAC Conference Champions • 5th Nationally Ranked (NJCAA Poll)
PLACE
8/25 Madison 2:30pm Wisconsin Dells 8/25 COD 4:30pm Wisconsin Dells 8/26 Harper 10:00am Wisconsin Dells 8/26 St. Clair 12:00pm Wisconsin Dells 8/30 MN West 6:30pm MN West 9/1 Harper 5:00pm College of DuPage 9/1 College of DuPage 7:00pm College of DuPage 9/2 Blackhawk 10:00am College of DuPage 9/2 Rock Valley 12:00pm College of DuPage 9/6 Riverland 6:30pm RCTC 9/13 Western Tech 6:30pm Western Tech 9/15 DMACC 2:00pm RCTC 9/15 Harper 6:00pm RCTC 9/16 Bismarck 11:00am RCTC 9/16 Madison 3:00pm RCTC 9/22 Ridgewater 6:30pm Ridgewater 9/23 Fergus Falls 12:00pm Fergus Falls 9/27 St. Cloud 6:30pm St. Cloud 9/29 Anoka Ramsey 6:30pm RCTC Parent’s Night 10/4 Riverland 6:30pm Riverland 10/11 Western Tech 6:30pm RCTC Dig Pink Match 10/14 St. Cloud 12:00pm RCTC Homecoming 10/19 Rainy River 3:30pm Anoka Ramsey 10/19 Central Lakes 7:30pm Anoka Ramsey 10/25 MN West 6:30pm RCTC Hip Hop Dance 10/27 Fergus Falls 6:30pm RCTC Sophomore Night 10/28 Ridgewater 12:00pm RCTC 11/3 Regionals TBD TBD 11/4 Regionals TBD TBD 11/10 Nationals TBD Rochester 11/11 Nationals TBD Rochester
2014 SEASON STATS Record: 30-4 • 3rd Place NJCAA National Tournament • Region 13A Champions • Hosted Regionals • MCAC Co-Conference Champions • 1st, 2nd, 3rd Nationally Ranked (NJCAA Poll)
2013 SEASON STATS Record: 26-6 • Region 13A Runner-Up • Hosted Regionals • MCAC Co-Conference Champions • 1st, 4th Nationally Ranked (NJCAA Poll)
ROCHESTER YELLOWJACKETS
2017 YELLOWJACKET VOLLEYBALL TEAM
TEAM ROSTER
NO.
PLAYER
POS.
HT.
HIGH SCHOOL
HOMETOWN
YR
2
Anna Carney
DS
5'3"
Hayfield
Hayfield, MN
1
4
Brooke Wendland
MH
5'9"
Immanual Lutheran
Balaton, MN
2
5
Lauren Larkoski
S/OH
5'6"
Blooming Prairie
Blooming Prairie, MN 2
7
Maddeson Hintz
S/OH
5'9"
Byron
Byron, MN
R1
8
Jaycee Anderson
RH
5'9"
Mankato West
Mankato, MN
R1
12
Tara Rogers
OH
5'8"
Stewartville
Stewartville, MN
2
13
Kazlin Thompson
DS
5'4"
Big Lake
Big Lake, MN
1
14
Mariah Steinbach
MH
6'1"
St. Clair
Mankato, MN
1
17
PenniJo Brenke
RH
5'7"
Cleveland
LeCenter, MN
1
rctcyellowjackets.com — Page 1 —
2017 VOLLEYBALL SEASON PROGRAM
YELLOWJACKET VOLLEYBALL STAFF Amber Zitzow – Head Coach enters her sixth season at the helm of Yellowjacket Volleyball. Named the 2015 Heidi Hutchinson Coach of the Year, 2015 Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) Coach of the Year, and 2015 Rochester Area Sports Commission Banquet Finalist, Zitzow looks to continue building Rochester Community and Technical College into a perennial powerhouse. With Zitzow leading the way, the Yellowjackets were the 2015 NJCAA Division III National Champions, Region 13A Champions, winners of their third MCAC Conference Championship with a 14-0 record, and finalists for the 2015 RASC Banquet Team. Since arriving at RCTC, Zitzow owns a 115-42 record. The Yellowjackets went 15-17 and 10-4 in league action during the 2016 campaign; finishing third place in the MCAC Conference. Ashley Bichel was named a NJCAA All-American. Completing a historic year in 2015, Zitzow led the Yellowjackets to a 27-6 overall record and a league-best 14-0 MCAC Conference finish. Under Zitzow’s guidance, RCTC garnered two All-Americans, four Region 13A players, and four All-MCAC Conference selections, as Tori Peterson was named MCAC Conference Player of the Year. Jessica Foster was also named the NJCAA National Tournament Most Valuable Player. Zitzow arrived at RCTC in August of 2012. In her first season, the Yellowjackets finished with a 17-9 record and a 3rd place finish in the MCAC Conference, while Marcy Swenson earned Honorable Mention All-American. During the 2013 season, Zitzow lead the Yellowjackets to a 26-6 record, MCAC CoConference Championship, and Region 13A Runner-Up. She was named MCAC Coach of the Year, while Taylor Aakre was named MCAC Conference Player of the Year. Taylor Aakre and Lindsay Ayers were named NJCAA All-Americans. Taylor Aakre was also an AVCA All-American. The Yellowjackets finished the 2014 season with a 30-4 record. Among the team’s highlights were picking up the 3rd place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament, Region 13A Championship, and a consecutive MCAC Co-Conference Championship. Zitzow was named MCAC Conference Coach of the Year, Region 13A Coach, and a finalist for the Rochester Area Sports Banquet Coach of the Year. Bri Atkins received MCAC Player of the Year, NJCAA All-American, and AVCA All-American honors. This was RCTC’s first National Tournament appearance in 14 years.
Tori Ristau – Assistant Coach is in her sixth year as the assistant coach for the Rochester Community and Technical College volleyball team. A Preston, MN native, Tori brings a wealth of coaching experience to the Yellowjacket bench including coaching Fillmore Central and Kenyon-Wanamingo Junior Olympic volleyball teams. Additionally, she has coached for the Rochester Youth Volleyball A s s o c ia t io n’s S o u t h e r n M i n n e s ot a Volleyball program. She has previous experience as a (RYVA) board member and helps with the VolleyTot and Miniball programs. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Minnesota. Tori was previously a Yellowjacket volleyball player, where she helped lead the Yellowjackets to a 48-12 record over her two-year career. Throughout her RCTC coaching tenure, she has helped Coach Zitzow lead the Yellowjackets to a 115-42 record. In the 2014 Season, the Yellowjackets held the No. 1 national ranking, were MCAC Conference Co-Champions, NJCAA Region XIIIA Champions, and placed third at the NJCAA National Tournament. It was the first time the team returned to the National Tournament in 14 years. In 2015, Tori and Zitzow continued their success by holding the No. 1 national ranking numerous times, were MCAC Conference Champions, NJCAA Region XIIIA Champions and NJCAA DIII National Champions. This was the first National Championship for the Yellowjacket Volleyball Program. Coach Ristau has helped produce numerous MCAC Players of the Week, several MCAC All-Division athletes, All-MCAC Conference athletes, MCAC Southern Conference Player of the Year, MCAC All-Academic athletes, NJCAA National Players of the Week, NJCAA All-Americans and AVCA All-Americans.
“Not only do I enjoy teaching the skills and strategies of volleyball, but I enjoy being a mentor for the young ladies as they begin or continue on their collegiate journey. It is great to be a part of the winning legacy of Yellowjacket volleyball, and I continuously look forward to helping our athletes with the goals and obstacles of being elite collegiate athletes.”
Her teams have produced numerous MCAC Players of the Week, several MCAC Southern All-Division Players, many All-MCAC Conference Team players, MCAC Southern Conference Player of the Year, MCAC All-Academic Team players, and National Player of the Week honors. In post-season, the Yellowjackets have been honored with Region 13A Division III All-Region and All-Tournament players. Prior to Rochester Community and Technical College, Coach Zitzow spent many years as an assistant coach at the college and high school levels. She has led many Junior Olympic volleyball teams to national and AAU tournaments.
“I look forward to the challenge of motivating athletes to grow and reach their full potentials while maintaining their classroom performances. I am optimistic that Rochester Community and Technical College will remain competitive and continue to offer a winning program.” — Page 2 —
ROCHESTER YELLOWJACKETS Anna Carney is from Hayfield, MN, where she played as a libero for Hayfield High School. She was awarded HVL AllConference in 2016 and All-Herald in both 2015 and 2016. Anna also received Most Digs, MVP, Best Passer, and Best Serving Percentage. While in High School, Anna was also a part of National Honor Society. Her parents are Jeff and Jodi. She also has two sisters, Cela and Ava. Anna is planning to major in Computer Science. Her favorite movies include Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and The Princess Bride. Her favorite sports team is the Minnesota Gophers. Her favorite foods are grilled cheese and peanut butter cups. Her favorite game to play is Monopoly. A fun fact about Anna is that she sneezes every time she eats Dove chocolate. Anna chose to come to RCTC because it is close to home and she had the opportunity to play volleyball. Brooke Wendland is from Balaton, MN, where she played outside/right-side for Immanuel Lutheran High School. She was a three-time All-Conference player; her team achieved a Regional Championship and was awarded the Sportsmanship Award. She was also a three-time All-Conference athlete in track. Graduating with honors, she was two-time All-Academic. Her parents are Brandt and Teresa. She has two brothers, Brandon and Christian, and a sister, Catherine. Her major at RCTC is Nursing. Her favorite movie is Baby Mama. Her favorite sports team is the Minnesota Gophers. Her favorite foods are mashed potatoes and popcorn, favorite games are Wizard and Apples to Apples, and favorite TV shows are Pretty Little Liars, SpongeBob, and Grey’s Anatomy. She has 33 first cousins and she attended a boarding school for her high school education. Her special talents are making popcorn and lava cakes. She came to RCTC to further her education and to be close to the Mayo Clinic. Lauren Larkoski is from Blooming Prairie, MN, where she played outside hitter for Blooming Prairie High School. She was awarded two-time All-Conference volleyball player, AllConference basketball, four-time All-Conference track and MVP for both volleyball and track. She was also awarded Academic All-Conference and was an honor student. Throughout her college career, Lauren was awarded RCTC All-Academic Award and the RCTC-Vicki, Kent, Todd Brunner Scholarship. Her parents are Mark and Sandy, and she has a brother, Luke. Her major at RCTC is Nursing. Her favorite movies are Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Billy Madison. Her favorite sports teams are the Minnesota Twins, Golden State Warriors, and the Minnesota Vikings. Her favorite games are on the Wii and Bean Bag Toss. Her favorite food is anything with pasta, and her favorite TV shows are Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Bachelor/ Bachelorette. She has shot an elk in Colorado, and she enjoys trap shooting and bow hunting. She came to RCTC for the great nursing program and to continue her volleyball career as a Yellowjacket. Maddeson Hintz is from Byron, MN, where she played outside hitter for Byron High School. She lettered 12 times and was awarded Academic All-State. She also made the Dean’s list last fall at RCTC. Her parents are Derrick and Deb. She has a brother, Matthew. Her major at RCTC is Health Sciences. Her favorite movies are The Heat and The Conjuring. Her favorite sports teams are the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Her favorite foods are pizza, tacos, spaghetti, and cake. Her favorite game is Monopoly, and her favorite TV shows are Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill. She came to RCTC because it was close to home and she wanted to continue her volleyball career.
are pizza and tacos. Her favorite game is Candyland and her favorite TV shows are Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, and Friday Night Lights. She has been playing volleyball for 10 years. A fun fact about Jaycee is that she has more clothes than you can imagine and she works 24/7. She came to RCTC because she wanted to play volleyball and further her education. Tara Rogers is from Stewartville, MN, where she played outside hitter for Stewartville High School. She was Captain, 2014 All-Conference Honorable Mention, 2015 AllConference, 2015 All-State Academic, and 2014 Oshkosh All-Tournament Team. She was part of the 2013-2015 HVL Championships, 2014-2015 Sub-Section Champions, 20142015 Section Champions, 2014 State Tournament 1st place, 2015 State Tournament 3rd Place, and Gold Academic Team Award from 20132015. She was awarded Academic Letters 2012-2016, National Honor Society, and Highest Honors Graduate. During her college career, Tara was also on the RCTC Dean’s List, awarded MCAC All-Academic and MCAC Southern All-Conference. Her parents are Steve and Kami, and her siblings are Angela, Andria, and Tyler. Her major at RCTC is Nursing. Her favorite movie is She’s The Man. Her favorite sports teams are the New York Yankees and Wisconsin Badgers. Her favorite foods are pizza and fruit. Her favorite game is Bean Bags; her favorite TV show is The Blacklist. She can play the guitar and has three closets of clothes. She came to RCTC because of the nursing program and to play volleyball. Kazlin Thompson is from Big Lake, MN, where she played libero for Big Lake High School. She was Captain, 2016 Mississippi 8 Honorable Mention, lettered in volleyball in 2015 and 2016, and Defense MVP. She was awarded Spotlight on Scholarship in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Her parents are Jeff and Keri. She has a sister, Payton, and a brother, Drake. Her major at RCTC is Nursing. Her favorite movie is Stepbrothers. Her favorite sports teams are the Greenbay Packers and Minnesota Gopher Volleyball. Her favorite food is anything from Olive Garden. Her favorite game is Bean Bag Toss. Her favorite TV show is Grey’s Anatomy. She came to RCTC to further her education, play volleyball, and meet new people. Mariah Steinbach is from Mankato, MN, where she played as a middle for St. Clair High School. She was awarded Valley All-Conference Defensive Player in 2016 and 2017 and Valley All-Conference 2015, 2016, and 2017. Her parents are Anita and Joshua. Mariah also has a brother, Riley. She plans on majoring in Radiology. Her favorite movies are Monsters Inc., Shrek 2, and any type of horror movie. Her favorite sports team is the Minnesota Twins. Her favorite foods are sushi, Chipotle, and Chinese. Her favorite board games are Head Bands and Apples to Apples. She enjoys watching Criminal Minds, SpongeBob, and Chopped. Fun facts about Mariah are that she loves storm chasing and she can sleep more than 24 hours. Mariah came to RCTC to pursue a career in Radiology and to play volleyball. PenniJo Brenke is from LeCenter, MN, where she played as a middle for Clevelend Public Schools. She was awarded Most Improved player and the Hustle award. While at RCTC, she made the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 Dean’s List. She has a mom, Charity, brother, Matt, and sister, Kaleigh. Her majors are Welding and Web Design. Her favorite movies are Disney movies, the Divergent series, and the Hunger Games series. Her favorite foods are watermelon, dark chocolate, cashews, and chicken. Her favorite game is Cards Against Humanity. Her favorite TV shows are The Vampire Diaries, Grey’s Anatomy, and Supernatural. She has a pet bearded dragon. She can make animal noises. She came to RCTC to further her education with welding and web design and to play volleyball.
Jaycee Anderson is from Mankato, MN, where she played right-side for Mankato West High School. Her parents are Jason and Brooke. She has two sisters, Anne and Ellie. Her major at RCTC is Business Management. Her favorite movies are Zootopia, The Last Song, and Pitch Perfect. Her favorite sports teams are the Minnesota Gophers Volleyball, Penn State Volleyball, Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild. Her favorite foods — Page 3 —
2017 VOLLEYBALL SEASON PROGRAM
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE COACHING RECORDS Coach.................. Year.......... W........ L...................Results Jean Musgjerd....................1991................... 38...............16.............................State Champ | Region XIII Champ | Nationals – Miami Jean Musgjerd....................1992................... 31...............10.............................State Runner Up Jean Musgjerd....................1993................... 13...............22............................. Jean Musgjerd....................1994................... 18...............20 Jean Musgjerd....................1995................... 10...............26 Jean Musgjerd....................1996................... 8.................26 Jean Musgjerd....................1997................... 6.................24 Jean Musgjerd....................1998................... 14...............21.............................South Conference 4th Jean Musgjerd....................1999................... 6.................24 Jean Musgjerd....................2000................... 35...............10.............................Co-Conference Champs | Region XIII Champ | 4th Place Nationals – Owens Jean Musgjerd....................2001................... 23...............17.............................Conference 2nd | Region XIII Runner Up Jean Musgjerd....................2002................... 19...............18.............................Conference 3rd | State 3rd Jean Musgjerd....................2003................... 16...............20............................. Jean Musgjerd....................2004................... 22...............16.............................Conference 2nd | Region XIIIA Runner Up Jean Musgjerd....................2005................... 13...............25.............................Conference 3rd Jean Musgjerd....................2006................... 11...............20 Carolyn Bell.........................2007................... 18...............20 Carolyn Bell.........................2008................... 27...............5 Carolyn Bell.........................2009................... 27...............5 Carolyn Bell.........................2010................... 24...............8 Carolyn Bell.........................2011................... 21...............7 Amber Zitzow.......................2012................... 19...............7...............................Conference 3rd Amber Zitzow.......................2013................... 26...............6...............................Co-Conference Champs | Region XIIIA Runner Up Amber Zitzow.......................2014................... 30...............4...............................Co-Conference Champs |Region XIIIA Champs | 3rd Place Nationals – Rochester Amber Zitzow.......................2015................... 27...............6...............................Conference Champs | Region XIIIA Champs | NATIONAL CHAMPIONS – Rochester Amber Zitzow.......................2016................... 15...............17.............................Conference 3rd
— Page 4 —
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL RECORDS Individual – Single Match
Hitting..............................................Terri Fowler.................... 914...........1992.................... vs. Hibbing Kills...................................................Brianna Atkins............... 34..............2014.................... vs. Ridgewater Setting Assists...................................Darla Erickson................ 61..............1991.................... vs. NDSCS Amberlee Dunagan........ 61..............2014.................... vs. Harper Service Aces......................................Kirsten Springer............ 11..............1986.................... vs. Willmar Traci Robinson............... 11..............1986.................... vs. Itasca Digs..................................................Haley Lenz..................... 40..............2014.................... vs. Bismarck Blocks...............................................Jenny Fisher.................. 13..............2001.................... vs. Bethany Lutheran 10/17/2001
Individual – Season Total
All-Americans
Hitting..............................................Tracy Breuer................... 410...........1979 Kills...................................................Brianna Atkins............... 624...........2014 Setting Assists...................................Amberlee Dunagan........ 1172.........2014 Service Aces......................................Missy Schultz................. 112...........1988 Digs..................................................Natalie Reinardy............ 586...........2014 Blocks...............................................Terri Fowler.................... 142...........1991
Individual – Two Year Total
Hitting Average................................Tracy Breuer................... 350...........1979-80 Kills...................................................Jenni Fisher................... 864...........2000-2001 Setting Assists...................................Darla Erickson................ 2042.........1991-92 Service Aces......................................Terri Fowler.................... 189...........1991-92 Digs..................................................Haley Lenz..................... 1108.........2013-14 Blocks...............................................Terri Fowler.................... 182...........1991-92
Team – Single Match
Hitting Average................................vs. Austin/Bethany....... 457...........1983-1991 Kills...................................................vs. NDSCS...................... 71..............1991 Setting Assists...................................vs. NDSCS...................... 64..............1991 Service Aces......................................vs. Itasca........................ 29..............1986 Digs..................................................vs. Crookston................. 128...........1987 Blocks...............................................vs. Winona..................... 38..............1984
Per Game Averages (as of 1991)
One Year Kills............................. Brianna Atkins................. 5.47......... 2014 Setting........................ Amberlee Dunagan........ 10.02....... 2014 Service ....................... Amy Schuth..................... 0.61......... 2001 Digs............................ Haley Lenz...................... 5.7............ 2013 Blocks......................... Chelsey Ruppercht.......... 1.65......... 2004
•
Kathy Anderson – 1979
•
Andrea Whelan – 1981
•
Terri Fowler – 1991, 1992
•
Jenni Fisher – 2000
•
Rebeccah Fitzgerald – 2008
•
Ashley King – 2008
•
Marcy Swenson – 2012 (honorable mention)
•
Taylor Aakre – 2013
•
Taylor Aakre – 2013 AVCA All-American
•
Lindsay Ayers – 2013
•
Brianna Atkins – 2014
•
Brianna Atkins – 2014 AVCA All-American
•
Tori Peterson – 2015
•
Tori Peterson – 2015 AVCA All-American
•
Jessica Foster – 2015 (honorable mention)
•
Ashley Bichel – 2016
Two Year Jenni Fisher................3.69........2000-2001 Darla Erickson.............8.2..........1991-1992 Amy Schuth................0.44........2000-2001 Haley Lenz..................5.53........2013-2014 Jennifer Fisher...........0.74........2000-2001
YEAR......... WIN...... LOSS
YEAR......... WIN...... LOSS
YEAR......... WIN...... LOSS
YEAR......... WIN...... LOSS
1991............. 38.......... 16 1992............ 31........... 10 1993............ 13........... 22 1994............. 18........... 20 1995............ 10........... 26 1996............. 8............. 26 1997............ 6............. 24
1998............ 14........... 21 1999............ 6............. 24 2000............ 35.......... 10 2001............ 23........... 17 2002............ 19........... 18 2003............ 16........... 20 2004............ 22.......... 16
2005............ 13........... 25 2006............ 11........... 20 2007............ 18........... 20 2008............ 27........... 5 2009............ 27........... 5 2010............. 24........... 8 2011............. 21........... 7
2012............. 17........... 9 2013............. 26........... 6 2014............. 30.......... 4 2015............. 27........... 6 2016............. 15........... 17
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