2009 NCAA Division II Softball Tournament

August 15, 2005

Senior Dominance is the Key in a Quest for Three

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. –After two consecutive conference and regional championships, the No. 24 Lock Haven University volleyball program is set to continue its recent dominance and more.  With a senior-dominated roster, the 2005 Lady Eagles will look to “three-peat” as Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Champions.

“With six seniors on this year’s roster, I expect this season to come from within the players,” said head coach Tom Justice.  “We will be successful because I think that their experience will pay off.”

Middle Hitters
With the return of junior All-American Li YiZhi (Shanghai, China) and the loss of Lilian Bortoto, the middle hitting ranks will be the key to this season.  Li, who led the NCAA in hitting percentage the past two seasons, is the most balanced player for the Lady Eagles.  As the PSAC West Athlete of the Year, she provides leadership as the floor general.  The team can rely on her to stop the opposing team’s runs and start a Lock Haven rally at any time.

“Li is very competitive, and she plays well in pressure situations,” said Justice.  “She plays well in our team concept.”

With the loss of block-specialist Bortoto, the Lady Eagles will look for two athletes to step into her spot on the floor.  Senior Meghan Hayes (Manahawkin, N.J./Southern Regional) will give the team experience in the middle.  Coach Justice will also look for incoming freshman Stacey Borgia (Factoryville, Pa./Lackawanna Trail) to use her quickness and excellent jumping ability for the Haven attack.

Setters
The setters return the two-headed attack of seniors Kelly Kostelich (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township) and Allison Furry (Guys Mills, Pa./Maplewood).  Both setters are coming into their own after three successful seasons on the squad.  The two classmates had 1,249 assists between them last season.  The coaching staff has confidence in both athletes. 

“We are expecting big things from them,” said Justice.  “They truly know what it takes for the team to win.”

Junior-college transfer Mayumi Ishihara (Hamamatshu City, Japan/Coffeeville CC) will add to the depth at this important position.  She served as the setter for Coffeeville Community College in Kansas for the past two seasons.

Outside Hitters
One of the strengths in recent years has been the outside hitters for Lock Haven, and this year is no different.  With all five outside hitters returning from last year’s team, the coaching staff is happy with the senior leadership and extreme depth at this position. 

“We feel that our strength at the outside hitter position is the different look each girl gives us and the depth that provides us,” said Justice.  “We do not rely on just one player; we like to use everyone that we have.”

Seniors Michelle Deehan (Upper Marlboro, Md./Gwynn Park), Allison Wade (Duncansville, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area) and Jen Thompson (North Ridgeville, Ohio/Elyria Catholic) will see most of the time for the Lady Eagles.  Each player brings a different strength to the court for the Haven attack, from blocking and serving to cross-court shooting.

Junior Maggie Borden (Hanover, Pa./Delone Catholic) is a great athlete who continues to improve on the court for Lock Haven.  Senior Kelly Bebee (Smithtown, N.Y./Smithtown) brings confidence to the outside position after her move from middle hitter.  Freshman Kirstin Sowers (Wilmington, Del./John Dickinson) will learn the system and develop into a good outside hitter in the future.

Opposites
PSAC West Rookie of the Year and First Team All-Region Inga Kurgonaite (Kaunas, Lithuania/Yuozas Urbsys) returns for her second season.  At 6-foot-4, Kurgonatie gives Lock Haven the ability to block and attack from a high point.  Thompson, Bebee and Borden have all been effective at this position and will probably see time here as well.

Libero/Defensive Specialists
Junior Jenna Crabb (Elizabethville, Pa./Upper Dauphin) has shown great improvement since joining the program.  Sophomore Angela Robison (Julian, Pa./Bald Eagle Area) will continue to improve and get stronger with more experience.  Both players will contribute to the total team aspect that the coaching staff will be looking for.  Ishihara may also play this position because of her excellent ball control skills.

The Lady Eagles open up their quest for three straight at the Ferris State University Tournament in Big Rapids, Mich. on Aug. 26.  Their first home match will be against IUP on Sept. 13.

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