2014 Allegheny Volleyball Media Guide

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Allegheny women's volleyball head coach Bridget Sheehan, entering her 29th season on the sidelines for the Blue and Gold, approaches the 2014 iteration of Gator Volleyball much like previous campaigns. The long-time coach highlights realization of potential over expectations, especially for the newest Allegheny Volleyball squad which presents a large incoming class to join a veteran corps poised to make a splash in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC).

"I think currently, we are an untold story that will evolve into a successful ending as our players commit to the daily process of improvement and begin to achieve our performance goals," commented Sheehan.

"We are deeper this season in every position, which should improve our competitiveness."

Senior Catherine Kasianowicz, a four-year member of the squad, enters her final season as the seasoned veteran looking to replicate her success in 2013.? Kasianowicz finished the season with a team-leading 486 digs, the fourth-highest total in the NCAC.? Junior Taylor Samuel, who earned All-NCAC Honorable Mention plaudits last year, will also aim to continue her momentum from her strong sophomore campaign, which saw the Toms River, New Jersey native score a team-high 242 kills and 45 service aces.

Samuel enters her third season in the Blue and Gold as one of three members of a junior class that is sure to play a key role this season.? A viable threat in the middle, Sarah Swartz finished second on the squad last year with 75 total blocks, including 42 solo stops, while racking up 192 kills.? Junior Julia Weeks ended 2013 with 181 kills, 161 digs and 35 blocks, tacking on 21 service aces in 30 matches played.

Sophomore Bailey Gawley will also return to the team, looking to add power at the outside hitter position after a strong freshman campaign that saw the six-foot tall middle hitter block a team-leading 84 shots while additionally striking for 161 kills.? The middle will be fortified by fellow second year Emily Adams along with freshmen Leah Franzluebbers from Wethersfield, Connecticut and Trafford, Pennsylvania native Hannah Cubarney, two of nine incoming freshmen look to make a splash for the squad this upcoming season by adding height and depth to the Gator lineup.

First years Christa Cash, Kylee Karczewski and Terra Schall arrive in Meadville as defensive specialists, joining sophomore McKenna Reese on the backline.? Karissa Welker will join Samuel on the outside as Alyssa Lebowitz and Morgan Bush will join Weeks at outside hitter. ?Freshman and Seattle, Washington native Justine Kelly-DeMello completes the lineup in the setter position, aiming to make a strong impact for the Gators' offensive aspirations.

"With a great mix of experienced returning players infused with a talented group of freshmen," added Sheehan, "we should meet or exceed our program's expectations this season."

The Gators will kick off their 2014 campaign with a four-game schedule in Latrobe, Pennsylvania at the 2014 Saint Vincent College Bearcat Challenge, battling Waynesburg and the hosting Bearcats on Aug. 29 before bouts against Pitt-Greensburg and Franciscan the following day.? After four additional games at the Muhlenberg College Tournament the following week, the Gators will host the Allegheny Gator Invitational on Sept. 12 and 13.

Welcoming five institutions from four NCAA Division III conferences, the Gators will first take on Thiel at 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 before closing the day against Pitt-Greensburg.? Allegheny will close the home invitational with matches against Mount Aloysius and Manhattanville the following day.? Allegheny begins the NCAC schedule on the road on Sept. 20 against Ohio Wesleyan before traveling to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 26 and 27 for the Worthington Classic, hosted by Gallaudet University.

Allegheny's first home NCAC contest will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 30 against Oberlin, and the Gators will additionally host a contest on Homecoming against Kenyon at 6 p.m. on Oct. 18.? The Gators will close out the conference schedule at home on Oct. 29 against NCAC foe Wooster.

"We are very excited to see how this team will develop," concluded Sheehan, "and with performance improvement and team chemistry at the center of that development we should have a memorable season."