Season Preview: Volleyball Looks for Spike in Energy for 2011

August 16, 2011

Uniontown, Pa. - Led by a host of veterans and head coach Nancy Wheeler, a talented Penn State Fayette women's volleyball squad looks to bring home an unprecedented fourth consecutive Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference championship in 2011.

The reigning 2010 PSUAC Tournament champions return five starters, including junior Leah Ambrosini (Connellsville, Pa.), a two-time United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-American and two-time PSUAC Player of the Year. Ambrosini, an outside hitter, is joined by senior setter/defensive specialist Katie Sleasman (Connellsville, Pa.), last year's PSUAC Setter of the Year and a PSUAC First Team selection.

Also returning for the Roaring Lions is sophomore outside hitter Marney Hillen (Connellsville, Pa.), a PSUAC First Team honoree her freshman season. Sophomore middle hitters Caitlin Fidel (Perryopolis, Pa.) and Alaina Weiss (Monongahela, Pa.) round out the returning players.

"One key strength we have is our veterans have been here and have had success at this level," says Wheeler. "It's important to keep that mindset and to have good leadership, that way our freshmen come in to a successful and positive atmosphere."

A talented crop of local players have joined the Roaring Lions for the 2011 campaign, including transfer  libero/setter Victoria Kearns (Uniontown, Pa.). Joining Kearns are seven freshmen, the largest incoming class ever for Wheeler.

"We wanted to add some depth this year," adds Wheeler. "Last year we could go eight or nine deep, but this year we expect to be able to go 13 deep."

That depth is what Wheeler hopes can propel the Roaring Lions into national contention. After a fifth place finish in the 2010 USCAA National Championships, the Roaring Lions look to get beyond the first round of the championship bracket for the first time in program history. Last season was Fayette's second time in three years advancing beyond pool play.

Adding to the depth are freshman outside hitters Emily Caldwell (Belle Vernon, Pa.) and Marisa Wallace (Smithfield, Pa.), middle/right side hitter Janelle Cooper (Mt. Braddock, Pa.), outside/right side hitter Samantha Helmantoler (Monongahela, Pa.), setter Emily Konter (Brownsville, Pa.), middle hitter Katie Salisbury (Madison, Pa.) and defensive specialist Abbey Tirpak (California, Pa.).

"I am very excited at the prospects of this team," says Wheeler. "We have athleticism, experience, depth and leadership. Our success will depend on if we can put it all together."

Coming off of a 24-13 campaign and the PSUAC tournament title in 2010, and PSUAC regular season and tournament titles in 2008 and 2009, Fayette looks to improve on a solid foundation. Last season saw the Roaring Lions defeat not one, but three NCAA Division III programs. The schedule does not get any easier in 2011, as Fayette will take on 10 NCAA Division III programs.

The Roaring Lions kick-off their season at the Penn State Beaver Volleyball Classic in Monaca, Pa. on Friday, Aug. 26, at 6:00 p.m. against USCAA powerhouse Rochester College. The two-day tournament is followed by Fayette's home opener on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7:00 p.m. against Waynesburg College. PSUAC action begins on Wednesday, Sept. 14, as the Roaring Lions travel to Penn State Greater Allegheny for a 7:00 p.m. serve. More scheduling information can be found at www.goroaringlions.com.