Volleyball Team Looking To Improve On Solid 05 Campaign

Scholastic volleyball is alive and well in Cameron County, with 24 girls in grades nine through 12 participating.

Independent youth volleyball play held during the off-season has helped generate interest in a sport that grows more competitive at the high school and collegiate levels with every passing year.

Head Coach Amy Schwab is optimistic about her varsity team, which is coming off a 10- 8 season in 2005.

"We have five returning letterwinners - Brittany Grimm, Karen Kesterholt, Julia Glosek, Erica Stewart and Lauren Cook - from a team that entered the district playoffs," Schwab told the Endeavor. "We won our first-round playoff game with Redbank Valley and I think that instilled some confidence. We lost six strong players to graduation, but I feel very confident this year"

Jessica Ellenberger, who took last year off, returns for her senior season and should be a strong outside hitter.

Glosek, another senior and one of the team captains, is a dedicated volleyball player. She'll be the Red Raiders' setter this year with Deb Losey (jr.), Ashlee Metcalf (jr.) or Lauren Cook (soph.) playing opposite her. Glosek will also see action at the net as an outside hitter.

An up and coming sophomore, Danika Grom, will take over the position of libero. Seniors Kesterholt and Grimm will be the middle hitters.

"Erica Stewart (sr.), Lacey Feldbauer (jr.) and Alexis Narby (jr.) are also doing very well with their hitting," Schwab said. "They'll be outside hitters for the team.

Brandi Lyon, a freshman, has shown much promise and may see some varsity play this year."

The Red Raiders kick things off against defending Northern Tier League champion Oswayo Valley. There is excellent balance in the league this season. Most coaches see Northern Potter as the "team to beat."