Knowing that 2008 was a year of firsts for the Vikings, 2009 could bring even more success to the Portland State athletics program. Here is a forecast of what to expect in 2009.
Women’s basketball
Off to a 4-1 start and having won all of their games by nine or more points, Sherri Murrell’s squad seems poised to improve their third-place finish from last season.
Forward Kelsey Kahle, in her final year at Portland State, leads the Vikings, averaging 16.3 points a game and shooting 51 percent from the field.
Junior point guard Claire Faucher has also put up solid numbers for the Vikings, averaging better than 10 points a game and leading the teams in assists and steals.
If the Vikings stay competitive and play well within the Big Sky, Portland State fans could enjoy rooting for another basketball team within the field of 64.
Men’s basketball
The defending Big Sky Conference champions are off to a 5-1 start and are going to be tested before heading into the new year.
So far, the Vikings have looked solid and have had consistent contributions from their new players. Jamie Jones leads the team in rebounds and is an offensive presence in the paint. Phil Nelson is finally playing up to the hype and point guard Dominic Waters has played steady in backing up the reigning Big Sky Conference Player of the Year, Jeremiah Dominguez.
The Vikings have also received gritty play from the veterans of the team in Andre Murray, Kyle Coston and Julian Thomas.
It will be interesting to see how the Vikings fare in Big Sky play, which is expected to be more competitive this year.
If Portland State wins the Big Sky Tournament and reaches March Madness for the second year in a row, expect the Vikings to earn a higher seed than the No. 16 that they drew last season.
Softball
First-year coach Tobin Echo-Hawk has high expectations for her team in the 2009 campaign.
The team went 4-0 in exhibition games earlier in October and felt as if they did not play to their full potential, and this year’s squad features plenty of experience with six seniors and juniors.
The team will be tested by a difficult schedule that features a slew of Pac-10 teams including Oregon, Oregon State and Washington.
The Vikings will also have a shot at defending national champion Arizona State on Feb. 6.
With the experience gained from last season and a fresh perspective brought in by Echo- Hawk, the softball team should have a chance to finish the season atop the Pacific Coast Softball Conference standings.
Football
The Jerry Glanville show will return for its third season in the South Park Blocks. Two years into the Glanville regime, the Vikings are 7-15 and were winless in road games this season.
If the football team wants to be competitive in 2009, Glanville and offensive coordinator Mouse Davis must decide on one quarterback to carry the load for the entire year.
In all likelihood, that quarterback will be Drew Hubel, a junior-to-be in 2009. Hubel showed flashes of serious potential in 2008 highlighted by his performance in a victory against Eastern Washington.
In that game, Hubel was 44-73 in passing completions, accumulating 623 passing yards and throwing five touchdowns.
High expectations for the Portland State football program should arise next year. If the team can play consistently on both sides of the ball, Glanville’s squad should show signs of dramatic improvement in 2009.
Volleyball
Fresh off the heels of winning the Big Sky Conference Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Tournament, the Vikings should have continued success in 2009.
With only one player leaving the team after this year, libero Jalen Pendon-Thomas, head coach Michael Seemann’s squad should be a contender in the Big Sky next season as well.
The Vikings have a couple of young defensive specialists in Nicole Bateham and Diana Villalpando to help carry the defensive load that Pendon-Thomas’ departure will create.
Juniors Marija Vojnovic, Jennifer Oney, Lindsey Steele, Erica Jepsen and Nique Fradella will all return, and the Vikings should sit on top of the Big Sky next season as well.
Other Teams to Watch For in 2009
Men’s tennis: First-year head coach Brian Parrott looks to make an immediate impact to the Portland State tennis program. Look for Alex VanDerschelden and Kyle Erickson to have big years for the Vikings.
Women’s golf: In September, the Vikings finished first in a tournament hosted by Gonzaga and Eastern Washington. Transfer Stephanie Johns leads the Vikings and has already been named Big Sky Golfer of the Week twice. She joins a team that surprisingly won the Big Sky Championship last season.
Women’s soccer: Second-year coach Laura Schott will return nearly her entire roster from the squad that was knocked out of the first round of the Big Sky Conference Tournament by Northern Arizona.
The 2008 team showed plenty of determination by overcoming a difficult schedule and playing well within the Big Sky. Look for the team to come into the season prepared and hungry for success in 2009.