Junior Veteran Leads UCO Middle Blockers

Central Oklahoma's volleyball team is in its second week of practice, with the season-opener coming up Sept. 6. Monday was a preview of the hitter position for the Bronchos and today it's the middle blockers.

The numbers are good at this position, with four players – two returners and two freshmen – ready to handle things at the net.

Spearheading this group is junior standout Malia Kaaiohelo, a two-time honorable mention All-MIAA performer capable of becoming one of the league's most dominant players. Kaaiohelo collected 217 kills last year while ranking among the conference leaders in both hitting percentage (.297) and blocks (0.80/set), with even more expected in 2019.

Sophomore Chloe Hancock hit .328 and had 12 blocks in limited action as a rookie and looks to be much improved this season when she will contend for a starting berth.

Newcomers Regan Inglis and Nalani McCrary will both vie for immediate playing time and have bright futures ahead with the Bronchos.

"This is the first time we've ever had four middle blockers, so that's more depth that we're used to having," head coach Edgar Miraku said. "Malia brings great leadership and commitment. She works hard and drives everybody else. Chloe had a good spring for us and has really grown in her game. Both freshmen bring energy and great promise."

Check back with bronchosports.com for more position breakdowns in the coming days. Up next on Monday will be the defensive specialists and liberos.

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Players Mentioned

#14 Chloe Hancock: MB/RS; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#7 Malia Kaaiohelo: MB; 6' 1"; Junior

#3 Nalani McCrary: MB/RS; 5' 10"; Freshman

#17 Regan Inglis: MB; 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#14 Chloe Hancock
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: MB/RS

#7 Malia Kaaiohelo
: 6' 1"; Junior
: MB

#3 Nalani McCrary
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: MB/RS

#17 Regan Inglis
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: MB