LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven University volleyball team heads into the 2009 season with a little bit of unfinished business after a tremendous 2008 season that LHU head coach Tom Justice knows they can build off.

A year ago the Lady Eagles cruised through Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East action with a perfect 12-0 record on their way to the regular season crown.

Overall, Lock Haven went a stellar 29-6, finishing as PSAC runners-up and NCAA Division II Atlantic Region semifinalists.

This year LHU will certainly be in contention for the PSAC and Region titles, ones that eluded the team a year ago.

Lock Haven kicks off its quest for another banner year tomorrow (Thursday, August 27) night a 7 p.m. at the University of Tampa. LHU plays Tampa as part of the Tampa Classic that runs until Saturday night.

The Lady Eagles will play three games over three straight days to kick off the year.

Setters:

Leading the way at the setter spot is senior Fabiana Gomez (Montevideo, Uruguary/Consejo de E.S.), who will bring plenty of veteran experience and leadership to the lineup.

Gomez led the team last year in assists with 1133 and 10.4 a game. She was also second on the team in total blocks with 49.

Coach Justice calls Gomez a very good all-around player, who can do it all.

“When she’s on (setting), she’s as good as anyone in the country,” Justice said.

Also in the mix at setter is true-freshman Alexa Garrity (Boothwyn, Pa./Cardinal O’Hara).

Middle Blockers:

Redshirt-junior Kim Windstein (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township) is going to be a major factor LHU up front and a player who can make major contributions for The Haven.

Leigh Ann Edmondson (Loundonville, Ohio/Loundonville), a redshirt-freshman has made tremendous improvements to her game and a player who is ready to step in and help the team.

Freshmen Erica Rice (Lebanon, Pa./Cedar Crest) and Grace Novacek (Aliquippa, Pa./Hopewell) are two players that could contribute in big ways from the opening serve of the season.

Coach Justice feels very good about his depth at the middle blocker spot, saying that all six of his team’s rotations should be solid.

Outside Hitters:

The outside hitter spot is where the Lady Eagles feature some potent talent and depth.

All-PSAC East First Team selection Christie Naumann (Charters Towers, Austrailia/Gladstone) returns looking to cap off her career in a big way. Joining her will be 2008 PSAC East Rookie of the Year and All-Region selection Haley Gribbler (Powell, Ohio/Olentangy-Liberty).

Last year Naumann recorded 286 kills, which was second-best on the team.

As a rookie Gribbler recorded 146 kills and made 43 blocks.

Senior Christina Laury (Horsham, Pa./Hatboro-Horsham) returns, adding plenty of depth to the outside hitter spot.

Laury did it all last year with 147 kills, 110 digs and 22 assists.

Sophomore Aralana Roland (Bel Air, Md./Bel Air) is also in the mix.

Rookie Xuan Gao (Dong Ying, China/Zibo No. 10 Middle School) will look to make an impact right from the start of her Haven-career.

Liberos:

Erin Walsh (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic), who joins the Lady Eagles as a very decorated high school player will look to make huge strides for LHU right from the start.

Coach Justice feels she has the potential to be a very good libero and defensive specialist.

Laury could also see time at the libero/defensive specialist spot.

Season Outlook:

Coach Justice is very excited about what this season could bring for LHU volleyball and is looking forward to getting things going.

He knows that all the other PSAC East teams will be gunning for his squad and he wont look past any team, but feels at the end his team will be in the running.

Justice has plenty of experience and leadership returning to make a run at another championship.