May 4, 2009

Penguins Show Improvement Throughout Spring Season

    Youngstown -- Many individuals showed improvement throughout the spring as the Youngstown State volleyball team competed in four tournaments during the semester.
    As a team, the Penguins went 18-14 in sets in tournaments at Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Duquesne and Cincinnati.
    "It was one of our most successful springs as far as winning sets since I arrived," head coach Joe Bonner said.
    What was most encouraging for Bonner was how players were exposed to new roles with the graduation of setter Karla Everhart and outside hitter Ebony Barbosa.
    Dani Soubliere was the lone setter on the squad during the spring, and, according to Bonner, gained valuable experience running the offense. Soubliere missed the fall season with a knee injury.
    Bonner also praised the efforts of junior defensive specialist Laurie Shives, sophomore outside hitter Brittany Grove and junior middle hitter Haley Kapferer.
    "Laurie regained her form from her freshman year and grew into more of a defensive leader. Brittany was really productive and came out of her shell from the fall. Haley was very solid in the middle."
    The Youngstown State volleyball program will host two camps this summer in July. There will be team camps on July 10-12 and July 17-19 and a skills camp July 14-16.