Utica, NY (9/3/13)- The Utica College volleyball team is set for a new season, looking to climb the Empire 8 Conference standings and earn a spot in the coveted E8 Tournament.

Look Who's Back:

The Pioneers, who are coming off their best season since 2009, return ten players from last year's squad including captain Liz Sacco (Franklin, Mass. /Franklin) and starters Briona Enny (Queensbury, NY/Queensbury), Madison Bayer (Islip Terrace, NY/East Islip), Cassandra Manzer (Portcrane, NY/Chenango Valley), Hayley Strife (Lowville, NY/Lowville), Ashley Jones (Charlton, NY/Galway), and Chelsea Lauria (Erieville, NY/Cazenovia). 

Enny led the team with 301 digs last season, while Bayer had a team-best 222 kills.  Manzer totaled 179 kills and 148 digs, and Strife finished second on the team with 66 blocks.  Jones totaled 100 kills, while Lauria had 315 assists, and led the squad with 4.77 assists per set.

Also returning to help lead the squad are Leah Kazalski (Greene, NY/Greene), Brianna Derby (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville), and Alyssa Nicotera (New York Mills, NY/New York Mills), who will look to make an impact this year. 

Fresh Faces:

The Pioneers welcome eight new faces to the team including senior Cassi Brancato (Gloversville, NY/Mayfield), sophomores Alexis Lyon (Prospect, NY/Holland Patent), Lora Allen (Dolgeville, NY/Dolgeville), and Laura Homer-Gunther (Sauquoit, NY/Sauquoit), as well as freshmen Diamond DeVane (Ridge, NY/Longwood), Brandi Blaszak (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro), Carly Lonczak (Marcy, NY/Whitesboro), and Marissa Cavanaugh. 

Coach's Comments:

First year Head Coach Aris Bird has been impressed with the team so far, "pre-season went extremely well," said Bird.  "The team showed up willing to work hard and were supportive of one another.  We have a great group of 18 ladies who have dedicated themselves to working hard, striving to get better and be good role models.  Every time we practice or play, I enjoy the intensity and effort that each player puts into practice."

The Pioneers kick off their 2013 campaign on Wednesday as they host Cazenovia College.  Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium. 

Watch It Live:

Live video for all home games will be provided at Empire8.tv. 



                                                                                    --- www.ucpioneers.com ---