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2012 Season Preview

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ATH11_266_RenziL_T2012 LADY CAT VOLLEYBALL SEASON PREVIEW
     The 2012 version of the Pitt-Johnstown women’s volleyball team under ninth-year Head Coach Linda Renzi is a talented, but young group who gained loads of experience last year.  The returning group of players is strong, enthusiastic, and has great work ethic.
     The 2011 squad featured 12 freshmen who look to build on the experience the gained a year ago and are eager to make 2012 a successful one.
     Coach Renzi will rely on senior captains Kelsey Kohler (DS, Johnstown, Pa.) and Kayla Petrilla (S, Johnstown, Pa.) to lead the way.
     In addition, a wealth of talent will surround the pair of seniors.  Junior middle hitter Beth Kendera (Johnstown, Pa.) ended 2011 ranked 23rd in NCAA Division II in blocks per set at 1.16.  Ashley DiRado (JR, MH, Greensburg, Pa.), Tayler Vebares (SO, MH, Red Lion, Pa.), Karen Schmidt (JR, OH, Boswell, Pa.), and Kelsey Shanabrook (SO, OH, Mechanicsburg, Pa.) also return to the front line, while sophomore setter Nikki Oakes (Pittsburgh, Pa.) will be back in the starting line-up.
     Mix in other returning players and a handful of talented newcomers, the Lady Cats should be stronger and deeper in 2012.
     Along with Kendera, Kohler also ranked in the final NCAA statistics.  Kohler was 28th in digs per set at 5.25.
     As a team, Pitt-Johnstown finished eighth in the country in blocks per set at 2.51 last season. 
     Athleticism and strong academics are two components that should form a strong foundation  for a successful 2012 season.


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