Billings, Mont. – Coach Yang Yang looks to continue a tradition of success in her first year as head coach for Rocky Mountain College's women's volleyball program. The Battlin' Bears open their season on August 14 in Fullerton, California in a series of four matches as part of the 2019 Summer Slam Tournament. They will play University of Saint Francis and Benedictine University at Mesa on Wednesday before taking on The Master's University and tournament host Hope International University on Thursday.

Last Season
The Battlin' Bears returning core includes a senior class of five who will bring experience and leadership that Yang hopes will complement the added potential of the newcomers. Last season, the Battlin' Bears, under head coach Laurie Kelly, went 30-6 overall and were undefeated in the regular season against conference opponents. Rocky's only loss to a Frontier team came in the Frontier Conference Championship against University of Providence. Despite not earning an automatic berth, the Battlin' Bears still earned a trip to the 2019 NAIA National Championship where they advanced to championship bracket play and finished ninth. The team finished ranked No. 13 in the NAIA's Postseason Top 25 Coaches' Poll.

Preseason Rankings
Rocky Mountain College earned a No. 2 ranking in the Frontier Conference Volleyball Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Battlin' Bears received 31 points and three first-place votes to finish only behind No. 1 ranked University of Providence. The Argos received 34 points and four first-place votes. The NAIA's Preseseason Top 25 Coaches' Poll will be released tomorrow.

New Coaching Staff/New Era
First year head volleyball coach Yang Yang took over Rocky's volleyball program in the spring after serving as an assistant coach under one of the most accomplished head coaches in program history, Laurie Kelly. During her time as an assistant, Yang was named the Frontier Conference Assistant Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2018. As a player under Kelly in 2013 and 2014, Yang, a 6-foot middle blocker, helped lead Rocky Mountain College to a No. 1 ranking in the NAIA while leading the country in blocks. Yang was a two time NAIA All-American and holds the school record for most kills (581) in a season, most total blocks (196) in a season, and most total blocks in a game (15) since 2006.

Assistant volleyball coach Sarah Irigoin is also familiar with the program. Previously the head coach of Rocky's junior varsity volleyball team, Irigoin will serve as the primary assistant coach under Yang for the 2019 season. A 2009 Rocky graduate, Irigoin was a two-sport athlete during her time as a Battlin' Bear. She played as a point guard on the basketball team for three seasons and as an outside hitter for the volleyball team for four seasons. As a volleyball player, Irigoin was a first team all-conference performer in 2009 and a recipient of the AVCA Academic Award.

Key Returners
Senior Daniella Russell earned a second team all-conference selection last season as an outside hitter after ranking No. 7 in the Frontier in total kills (325).

Seniors Naomi Bad Bear and Miranda Gallagher return in the middle. Bad Bear, a 6-foot middle blocker, led the Frontier Conference in total blocks (153) which ranked No. 8 in the NAIA. She also ranked No. 11 in blocks per set with an average of 1.170. Gallagher ranked No. 5 in the Frontier and No. 49 in the NAIA in total blocks (120).

Junior Natalie Hilderman returns as one of the most accomplished setters in the Frontier Conference. Hilderman led the Frontier Conference in assists (1245) in 2018 on her way to being named Frontier Setter of the Year. Entering her third year as a Battlin' Bear, Hilderman has already tallied 2489 career assists which ranks No. 3 overall for the Battlin' Bears since 2006. She holds the school record for assists in a match with 58 against Montana Tech in 2017.

Matches to Watch 
8/30 – Grand View: Rocky Mountain College will take on Grand View University in Bellevue, Nebraska as part of the 2019 Sarpy County Labor Day Classic. The Vikings finished ranked No. 5 in the NAIA last year and handed the Battlin' Bears a loss last season in five sets. Rocky will look to return the favor with a statement win early this season.

9/20 – University of Montana Western: The 2019 home opener pits the Battlin' Bears against conference rival University of Montana Western. The match will be a test for a pair of first year coaches in Rocky's Yang Yang and Montana Western's Katie Lovett. 

10/03 – University of Providence: The Battlin' Bears will get their first chance at revenge against the Argos in early October. Providence was the only Frontier Conference team to hand the Battlin' Bears a loss last season and it came during the Frontier Conference Championship.