Freshman Warmbrodt emerging as key piece of Canisius volleyball’s offense
By: Paige Apps, Sports Reporter
For most freshmen, the transition to collegiate athletics comes with some growing pains. For Canisius volleyball freshman setter Kenslie Warmbrodt, that learning curve has happened in the middle of the action.
The Reno, Nev. native has quickly become an important part of the Golden Griffins’ offense during her first collegiate season, taking on a key role as Canisius navigates Metro Conference play.
The freshman has recorded double–digit assists in every match this season, and has surpassed 20 assists in multiple contests. Most recently, Warmbrodt recorded 23 assists in Canisius’ five–set loss to Iona on Oct. 9 and followed with 20 assists in the team’s five–set loss at Manhattan the following day.
While the Griffs have faced their share of challenges this season, Warmbrodt’s consistency has provided a steady presence in the middle of the court.
Setting requires more than simply delivering the ball to a hitter. The setter must read the defense, make quick decisions and build trust with teammates. For Warmbrodt, each match has provided another opportunity to develop those skills alongside a veteran group.
Her connection with Canisius’ offensive leaders has been especially important. Junior Emma Isroff, redshirt junior Julia Lenik and seniors Hannah Kos and Azoria Davis have all produced strong offensive performances throughout the season, giving Warmbrodt several options to work with at the net.
That balance was on display during Canisius’ first win of the season, a 3–0 sweep of Le Moyne on Sept. 18. Warmbrodt finished the match with 23 assists as six Griffs recorded at least six kills. The team also hit .230 while collecting a season–high 48 kills.
Warmbrodt has continued to contribute as the season has progressed. Against Iona, she shared the setting responsibilities with sophomore Anna Rich, who recorded 21 assists, as Canisius finished with 95 digs and five players reached double digits in that category.
The team’s ability to push matches into deciding sets has also become a recurring theme. Canisius has battled through several five–set matches this season, including the losses at Rider, Iona and Manhattan. In the latter two, the Griffs held leads in the decisive fifth set before ultimately surrendering the win.
Those close finishes have given Warmbrodt and the rest of the young Canisius roster valuable experience as Metro Conference play continues. The freshman setter has also shown an ability to contribute beyond assists. She has recorded multiple service aces in several matches this season, including three against Dartmouth and two against UMBC. Her defensive contributions have also added to her all–around impact.
For a freshman taking on one of the most important positions on the court, every match brings another chance to grow. As Warmbrodt becomes more comfortable at the collegiate level, her development could become an important part of Canisius’ push through the remainder of the season.
The Blue and Gold will face Quinnipiac on Friday, Oct. 16, before taking on Merrimack on Saturday at the Koessler Athletic Center.
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