Philadelphia, PA – (8/29/2010) – A developing team awaits the challenges of a new season as the Chestnut Hill College women's volleyball team program enters its third year under Head Coach Kim Feeny. The Griffins have established a defensive presence under Feeny, who now looks to balance the game-plan with an influx of offensive talent. With better communication and another year of comfort between teammates, Coach Feeny is certain the Griffins can challenge any member of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).
Six starters return in addition to defensive standout, sophomore libero Elisabeth DiGregorio (Conshohocken, PA) who led CACC in digs per game (5.03) and ranked 26th nationally in Division II. DiGregorio's 518 digs headlined the Griffins' stellar defensive play in 2009, with sophomore setter Courtney Gallo (Wilmington, DE), sophomore defensive specialist Bobbie Chukuntarod (San Francisco, CA), and junior Alyssa Miller (East Stroudsburg, PA) all recording at least 140 digs. Additional defensive resources include sophomore specialists Linda Zawadzki (Garfield, N.J.) and, transfer, Crystal Mann (Burtonsville, MD).
Gallo set a single-season record with 328 assists last season. She will team with freshman setter Allison Eberly (Orwigsburg, PA) to generate the Griffin offense. A Natural leader, Eberly is always looking to inspire her team. Sophomore middle hitter Cassie Benson (Rosamond, CA) produced a team-high 217 points (2.41 pts/gm) last season, as she paced the Griffins in kills (178) and blocks (46). Senior outside hitters Nicole Corrado (Telford, PA) and Cheryl Quarles (Owings Mills, MD), and sophomore middle hitters Madelynn Ries (Antananarivo, Madagascar), and Megan Nadler (West Deptford, N.J.) join Benson as frontline returners. Corrado enters her third season as captain after recording career-highs in kills (79) and blocks (12), while Quarles set her own career mark last season with 62 kills.
Additional offense will come on the efforts Feeny's incoming recruits; freshmen Kailey Arlen (Orland Park, IL), Alex DePalama (Shillington, PA), Eberly, Sarah Mattaliano (Coral Springs, FL), and Mary Markowski (Parkton, MD). Arlen and Mattaliano are well-rounded and experienced players who will strengthen the offense with their versatility. DePalama is an energetic competitor that can spark aggressive team play, while Markowski will be an additional force in the Griffin front line.
A defensive focus gave the Griffins new opportunities last season. Coach Feeney is certain her introduction of athleticism and offense will balance and mature to a young and progressing roster. The first test for women's volleyball comes at home, with a 10:00 a.m. contest against LeMoyne College on Sunday, September 5.
