FAIRBANKS, Alaska – After only winning three games in 2016, the Alaska Nanooks volleyball team stepped onto the court on the first day of preseason camp determined to grow into a better, more competitive program. And they did.

With a revamped roster under third-year head coach Brian Scott, the Nanooks closed out the 2017 season breaking 18 program records and earning five conference honors with an overall mark of 12-17, going 5-15 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play.

"We are very excited about the growth that took place over the course of this past season," Scott said of his squad. "These women worked hard at becoming better every day and I think those accomplishments are a reflection of the hours and dedication they put into the sport they love. I think something that was special to this season in particular was how our athletes really embraced the concept of a team and pushing each other day-in and day-out."

With a roster featuring only seven returners and welcoming five freshmen and three newcomers, Alaska's 12 wins throughout the 2017 campaign marks the most victories in a single season for Scott since taking over the program in July of 2015. The 12 triumphs also marks the first Alaska volleyball season since 2009 (12-15) to have double-digit figures in the win column.

The Nanooks kicked-off the 2017 season with a 10-day road trip that started with the Vikings Virginia Beach Invitational in Virginia Beach, Virginia before Alaska traveled to San Francisco for the D2 West Region Challenge. Upon their return to the Last Frontier, the Nanooks were 7-2 on the season, more than doubling their wins from the previous season.

Kicking off the GNAC schedule, the Nanooks earned their first conference win over Saint Martin's 3-1 at home on Sept. 22. Alaska faced some adversity throughout the middle part of the season, winning only two matches from Sept. 11 through Nov. 9 against Western Oregon (Oct. 12) and Seattle Pacific (Oct 21) in the ultra-competitive conference lineup.

However, the Nooks responded and came together toward the end of the season, rolling off two wins in their final three games by sweeping Western Oregon on Nov. 11 before edging the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets 3-2 in the season finale on Nov. 18.

Overall, Alaska forced five sets on six occasions throughout the 2017 season, with three of those matches being decided by extra points. The Nooks also boasted five, three-set sweeps throughout the year, having only collected six from 2012-16.

Of the 18 program records that were broken on the Alaska Volleyball All-Time Leaders list, eight were season-bests, seven were single-game highs and three were career-bests. Seven Nanooks combined for 17 of those records, while the team as a whole combined for one.

Sophomore libero Jenna Hickel led the charge, specifically on defense, having broken five program records this season. The Anchorage, Alaska native ranks sixth (33), ninth (29) and 10th (27) in single-game digs and third in season digs per set average (4.60). Most impressively, in her first season as libero, Hickel now ranks first on Alaska's all-time leaders list in individual season records for total digs, collecting 506 throughout 29 matches. Hickel dethrones Kristen Sullivan, who's 477 digs in 1998 was previously the program's best.

Following Hickel, senior middle blocker Riley Podowicz tallied four program records by herself including one single-game high, two season-bests and one career-high. Podowicz is now tied for 10th in single-game total blocks (6), ranks sixth in season solo blocks (16), ninth in season block assists (50) and 10th in career total blocks with 266 from 2014-17.

In only her second season as a Nook, sophomore middle blocker Kim Wong breaking onto the all-time leaders list with four individual records. The Spokane, Washington native now ranks third on season attack percentage (.306), eighth on solo blocks (11), 10th on block assists (45) and moves into second place for career attack percentage (with a minimum 100 total attempts per season), averaging .255 from 2016-17.

Redshirt-senior outside hitter Maddie Davis and freshman outside hitter Lahra Weber tie for 10th in single-game service aces, as both Davis (Oct. 7) and Weber (Nov. 11) tallied five against GNAC opponents. Redshirt-freshman Markie Miller also tallied one individual record this season, tying for ninth in single-game attack percentage (min. 15 attempts) with a .556 against Elizabeth City State University on Sept. 1.

Closing out the individual records is senior setter Rachel Nichols, who's 1,657 assists throughout two seasons (2016-17) ranks her sixth in the career rankings.

As a team, the Nanooks' combined attack percentage of .206 throughout the season moves them into second in the team records in season attack percentage. The 2003 Alaska squad still reigns supreme, having averaged a .213 team attack percentage throughout a single season to hang on to the crown.

Seven Alaska players recorded at least one double-double throughout the year, led by Nichols, who totaled 10. Davis (3), Hickel (1), sophomore outside hitter Gabby Lerma (3), Miller (2), Weber (4) and freshman setter Cate Whiting (3) were also Nooks who registered a double-double this season.

Following the conclusion of the season, Podowicz and Wong were named GNAC All-Conference Honorable Mentions, while Davis, Hickel and Nichols were all selected to the GNAC All-Academic Team.

On Nov. 18, the Nooks hosted their annual Senior Day and said goodbye to Maddie Davis, Ari Horner, Rachel Nichols and Riley Podowicz, all of whom are expected to graduate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in May of 2018.

For more information on the Alaska Nanooks volleyball team, follow @NanooksVB on Twitter or like the Alaska Nanooks Volleyball team page on Facebook.