La Plume, PA (8-30-10) – One year ago Keystone College re-introduced volleyball as a varsity sport, with first year head coach Juli Greep at the helm.
Those Giants managed a three win season, with two of their victories coming against conference opponents and for good measure the team took home the victory in their first match of the season by downing Alvernia University, 3-1.
Enter 2010, new season, experienced players and excitement in the air.
With a roster 19 strong, Coach Greep and the Giants are set for their sophomore season on the court.
Keystone is returning two of its top players form last year's squad in Leah Simko (South Gibson, PA/Mountain View) and Kendra Bianchi (Montague, NJ/Port Jervis). Simko, who earned an Honorable Mention selection in the CSAC last season, was one of the Giants' most consistent players. The upperclassman helped give coach Greep that leadership that is so vital to a young squad.
Simko was second on the team in assists with 163, kills with 49 and digs with 120.
Bianchi became a statistical standout for the 2009 squad, leading the team in kills (83), assists (171), kills (83) and aces (24). She also added 115 digs to her line.
“With Leah and Kendra's leadership we are looking to make a significant impact in the conference,” stated Coach Greep. “This duo will help give us the stability and experience that are so vital.”
As with any successful team, the Giants will look for that right mix of experience and youth on the floor. Coach Greep cites several top additions to the team with emphasis on Danielle Cedeno (Newark, DE/Christiana), Shelby Morgan (Clarks Summit, PA/Abington Heights), Maggie Emmons (West Grove, PA/Avon Grove) and Victoria Nichols (Jim Thorpe, PA/Jim Thorpe).
“These fine student-athletes will help us continue the growth of the program in a direction we want to go. They all come from successful high school programs and can all contribute in a positive manner,” added Coach Greep.
Other key returners from last year's squad include: Tara Diesel (Bethpage, NY/Bethpage), Rose Rutledge, and Chrissy Busichio (Cranford, NJ/Roselle Catholic).
Busichio is returning to the team after a season ending injury last fall. “We are looking forward to having her passing ability in the back row to help anchor the defense,” stated Coach Greep.
“The depth and options we have with our squad is something that (assistant) Coach Estus and I are both very excited to have. I am extremely pleased with how our preseason has been and am really looking forward to this season.”
The Giants season opener will also be their home opener, as the team welcomes Alvernia University to campus for a 7pm match on Wednesday September 1.
