Intensity Predicted for Lady Baron Volleyball

STEUBENVILLE – Expectations are high for Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Lady Baron Volleyball team, but none are as high as those of head volleyball coach Kelly Herrmann. After finishing eighth in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate College last year, Herrmann is looking to accomplish much more as the Lady Barons face their season opener Wednesday night.

“Although we are sixth in the preseason conference rankings, we are hoping to place at least fifth in the conference this season,” said Herrmann. “Our ladies have worked very hard the past few weeks. At every practice – twice a day – they come with intensity and a determination to work hard and improve.”

Intensity will be needed as the Lady Barons face a challenging schedule, playing non-conference teams such as University of Mount Union, Baldwin-Wallace College and Ursuline College. 

“Our major struggle last year was consistency. Although we had great abilities, there were several conference matches that we should have won.  We would go up 2-0 in the first two sets and then lose our focus,” Herrmann noted. “Our key this year is to establish consistency.”

“We play 15 matches before our first conference match, giving us time to prepare and improve before we face the other teams in our conference.”

While there are expectations for improvement over the course of the season, the Lady Barons have already made important strides. “I think our aggressiveness at the net has been a central improvement from last year,” said Co-captain Julie Matanzo. “We have more power and are able to run more plays. Our blocking has also been much better.”

Crucial to the Lady Barons hitting power is sophomore Anna Cain, named by the AMCC as the 2009 Newcomer of the Year. Adding a critical edge are co-captain and outside hitter Meg Kay and defensive specialist Nicole Henson. “Meg is a key hitting power for us. She has done really well the past few weeks.” Herrmann said. “Nicole is a strong player who works hard and will be key to what we want to do this year.”

“We have really solid women on our team, who will be able to get the job done. We don’t have to worry about peripheral things on this team.”

The Lady Barons will face their season opener at Penn State Beaver Wednesday night at 7 p.m.