Volleyball Season Preview 2014
WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Head coach Kassie Bellaver enters her ninth year with high hopes for this extremely deep and talented squad. The Golden Rams are thinking positive as they know they have the players to get them to the playoffs this season. "From this upcoming season, we have a great core of players coming back and a really solid foundation that we were trying to build from," Bellaver disclosed. "We brought in a very large freshman class, including one transfer as well, and we really feel that's a great combination." West Chester University's volleyball was picked to finish third in the Eastern Division of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference preseason coaches' poll while garnering one first-place vote from the coaches in the East. A significant strength for Bellaver is her squad's depth, after injuries caused the team to be held back last season. "This year for sure, I feel very comfortable that each player we ask will get the job done on the court," Bellaver boasted. The senior captain is middle blocker Julia O'Brien (New Holland, Pa. / Garden Spot). The first team All-PSAC East player last season is the leader on the team. Bellaver referred to her as a quiet leader, but lets her play do the talking. O'Brien led the team last season with 293 kills, including 26 solo blocks and 111 total blocks. Junior Marina Sharkey (Newtown Square, Pa./Archipbishop John Carroll) will be looked upon to make a difference as an outside hitter. "Every year she has gotten bigger, faster, and stronger," Bellaver described. "She'll be an impact player on the outside." Another junior who plays as an offensive middle blocker is Cara Reese (Pittsburgh, Pa./Fox Chapel). Her performance leaves Bellaver to believe that she is an impact player. Reese sat out all of last season with an injury, but the Golden Rams coaching staff believes that a healthy Cara Reese is one of the top middle blockers in the conference. "She takes us to a higher level just with her speed," Bellaver said. "She is an offensive middle that will produce points and still be able to block as well." Redshirt freshman Annalee Halbert (Port Murray, N.J./West Morris Central) is expected to have a bounce back season after being red-shirted a year ago due to an injury. Halbert got the Golden Rams off to an 8-0 start as a setter, before her injury. "For her, sitting on the sidelines and now being able to be on the court is rewarding," Bellaver stated. Outside Hitter Sophomore Danielle Schultz (Blandon, Pa./ Fleetwood) took strides in the spring and is certainly a player to watch. Joining Schultz is junior Allie Griswold (Dallas, Pa./ Holy Redeemer) and freshman Brynne Taylor (Lansdale, Pa. / Lansdale Catholic). Taylor has opened eyes by being an explosive player with her speed and vertical. On the right side are junior Samantha Agostini (Broomall, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara) and freshman Kelsey Bruce (Mars, Pa./ Mars Area). Three freshmen Karleigh Lutz (Mechanicsburg, Pa./ Cumberland Valley), Amy Kovacs (Allentown, Pa./ Allentown Central Catholic), and Brooke Priestas (Bethlehem, Pa./ Liberty) add depth at outside hitter. Middle Blocker A freshman with high expectations in the middle is Victoria Cruciani (Phoenixville, Pa./Pope John Paul II). Cruciani is going to get playing time, while being more of a defensive presence. Defensive Specialist Defensively, the emphasis was placed on the group in order to succeed. Two sophomores returning are Callie Krajcir (Breinigsville, Pa./Parkland) and Bethany Gould (Camp Hill, Pa./Cumberland Valley). Bellaver made it clear for sophomore Rachel Powers Wallingford, Pa./Strath Haven, freshman Lyndsey Iacobelli (Breinigsville, Pa./ Parkland), and Amanda Keppel (Springfield, Pa./ Merion Mercy) that their defense and serve receive is stellar so that is their ticket to the court if they can continue to handle the tougher serves. Setter With the team running a 6-2, there are three setters listed. Returning is junior Mandy Flynn (McDonald, Pa./South Fayette), while also adding two freshman in Emily Field (Pottstown, Pa./ Nativity BVM) and Macon Frey (Chesapeake, Va./Great Bridge). "They will all cooperate and fight for that spot and all work together to make us better," Bellaver stated. Overview The Golden Rams are optimistic with a strong combination of youth and experience led by O'Brien. This year's personalities and winning attitude have contributed toward their team chemistry. Depth is a positive as this group has really gelled on and off the court and that is going to be a difference. Schedule The Golden Rams open up their season by hosting their own Ram Fest tournament at Hollinger Fieldhouse. Their first match is against Notre Dame College (Ohio) Friday Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
