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Volleyball Preview
2004
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The Tigers volleyball team looks to be a much improved squad in only
their second season of varsity play. Head Coach Joanna Pennell is
fortunate to have her top players returning and a talented group of
newcomers to help her squad. Last year, the Tigers ranked near the
top of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference in total defense.
"Last year, we gained a lot of respect from our opponents because
of how good we were defensively. We take great pride in our defense."
commented Coach Pennell. Pennell's squad will need to demonstrate
the same type of effort they did last year in order to be successful
this season.
The Lady Tigers return all conference selection Melissa Zebley,
and experienced players in Kelly Nepi, Teresa Devine, Kathleen Tunney,
and Meghan Kerns. Zebley, Nepi and Devine were among the conference
leaders in numerous statistical categories. Zebley ranked first
in aces, second in digs, and tenth in assists, while Nepi ranked
second in aces, fifth in digs, and sixth in kills. Devine, a great
team player, ranked fourth in kills and fourth in blocks for the
Tigers. Kerns and Tunney provide Pennell with experienced players
to help guide the newcomers into the realm of collegiate volleyball.
Joining Coach Pennell's squad are Amanda Gibbs, Michelle Copelli,
Emily Kulp, Jill Podsiedlak, and Courtney Everly. Gibbs, a former
soccer player at Holy Family will bring a great deal of athleticism
to the team. Copelli who is described by Coach Pennell as "a setter
with great court presence" should be in position to vie for a starting
spot. Kulp, who Pennell thinks may be the most athletic player on
the team, has a tremendous vertical leap and a great work ethic.
Podseidlak is an extremely hard worker and should challenge for
serious playing time at the outside hitter position. Everly will
look to be playing back line for the Tigers and should benefit from
working with Zebley.
Coach Pennell is very excited about the upcoming season and should
benefit from the added depth on this year's roster. "Last year,
we dealt with a few injures which hurt us. This year, we've added
some good depth to our lineup so that should not be a factor." The
schedule will again be challenging one for Pennell's squad, but
she feels that it is essential for her teams improvement. "We have
a really tough non-conference schedule but I think that will help
us improve for our conference play at the end of the season. The
way to get better is to play the best." commented Coach Pennell.
It will indeed be exciting to see how the returning and new players
mesh together this season.
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