JAMESTOWN – 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 Firday at out 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, NY/Panama Central), outside hitter Emma McCarthy (Olean, NY/Allegany-Limestone Central), middle hitter Claire Pumford (Jamestown, NY/Jamestown HS), and outside hitter Breanna Gilbert-Hopkins (Falconer, NY/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, NY/Randolph HS), defensive specialist Mikala Einik (Clymer, NY/Clymer Central), outside hitter Cadance Main (Jamestown, NY/Jamestown HS), libero Sydney Ulasewicz (Allegany, NY/Allegany-Limestone Central), middle hitter Madison Ring (Sinclairville, NY/Cassadaga Valley HS), and middle hitter Bri McEwen (Silver Creek, NY/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 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 on August 23rd before traveling to compete at the Owens Invitational. At the Owens Invitational, JCC will play Delta College and Division II Kalamazoo Valley CC on September 3rd. 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.

"Facing these top-notch teams will help us prepare for the end of the season when it's win or go home," Rudny said. "Playing against these really good Division II teams and the No. 1 team in the country will be a measuring stick to where we need to be once postseason action begins."

The Jayhawks will then move into region play, traveling to play in the Fulton-Montgomery CC POD where they will take on Herkimer College, Mohawk Valley CC, and No. 9 Fulton-Montgomery CC on September 10th.

On the weekend on September 18th, JCC will travel to the Erie CC POD where they will face Niagara County CC, SUNY Adirondack, and Hudson Valley CC.

The Jayhawks will play in their home opener on Thursday, September 22nd, as they take on Erie CC for a 6 p.m. match. They will continue their home stand on September 24th as they host the Jamestown CC POD where they will take on Genesee CC, Monroe CC, and No. 7 Finger Lakes CC. JCC will close out their stretch of home matches on September 27th as they host Niagara County CC.

"After playing as many games on the road to begin the season, it will be nice to return home to play five matches," said Rudny. "Playing in front of the home crowd with parents and classmates in attendance will help the players feel more comfortable. It's always nice to play in front of people you know and feed off the crowd to keep the momentum throughout the match."

JCC will the play seven of their final home matches away from the Physical Education Complex starting off with the Niagara County CC POD where they will take on Corning CC, SUNY Broome CC, and Tompkins Cortland CC on October 1st.

Before making their final road trip of the regular season, the Jayhawks will host Lakeland CC on October 6th at 6 p.m. and then travel to Monroe CC on October 13th for a match at 6 p.m.

Making their final road trip of the regular season, the Jayhawks will travel to the Onondaga CC POD where they will play Onondaga CC, Cayuga CC, and No. 15 Jefferson CC on October 16th. JCC will close out the regular season on October 21st with a match against Genesee CC at home at 6 p.m.

Moving onto the postseason, the Jayhawks will travel to Erie CC for the WNYAC Tournament on October 22nd. JCC will also be looking to get back to the Region 3 Tournament which will be played October 29th-30th at Niagara County CC.

"The WNYAC Tournament will be a good way to get ready for regionals," Rudny said. "We will be playing in these high-intense level games which is what regionals is all about. From there, we will look to make a run in regions and have the Jayhawks return to the national stage."