Amherst boasts height in the middle
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Experience is not the only attribute Amherst Central girls volleyball will possess this season.

The Lady Tigers, 5-4 in ECIC Division II and 5-7 overall in 2006, return arguably the tallest player in the league, 6-foot-2 middle hitter Jenny Newhouse. Newhouse, a three-year starter, can hit or block. Amherst coach Jen Loretto said one of the team goals she is emphasizing is passing the ball well enough so teammates can get Newhouse hitting in the front row.

"She is going to be a dominant force in the middle for us," said Loretto. "She has also grown into a good leader."

Newhouse is one of four Lady Tiger captains. The other three are seniors Emily Molzen, Casey Martin and Amy Simon.

Molzen and Martin, both 5-foot-9, will set in the back row and hit right side in the front row. Molzen is starting for her third year; Martin is a three-year varsity player but a two-year starter.

"Emily makes sure everyone in is the right spot," said Loretto. "Casey has grown into a leadership role and has helped out other kids. She also motivates the team pretty well."

Simon, 5-foot-10, is a three-year starter at outside hitter.

"Jenny and Amy are playing opposite each other on the court so when Jenny is in the front row, Amy is in the back row so I can have my two strongest hitters on the court at all times," said Loretto.

Also showing promise is 5-foot-10 sophomore Grace Mariani, who Loretto pulled up from JV halfway through the season last year. She will play at middle hitter.

"She's young but has improved over the past few weeks," said Loretto. "I think she'll be strong for us once she gets comfortable with the position."

Another team goal is to improve the team's record and advance farther at sectionals. Amherst lost to Grand Island in the Class A prequarterfinals in five games.
Amherst Central
2007 Schedule
9-5 at East ........................................................ 6 p.m.
9-7 North........................................................... 6 p.m.
9-12 at Ken. West (at Ken. East) TBA
9-14 at Tonawanda .......................................... 6 p.m.
9-15 at Clarence tourn............................... 8:30 a.m.
9-17 Depew....................................................... 6 p.m.
9-19 at Maryvale .............................................. 5 p.m.
9-25 at Pioneer................................................. 6 p.m.
9-27 Starpoint................................................... 6 p.m.
9-29 at North Tourn .................................... 8:30 a.m.
10-1 Niagara-Wheatfield ................................. 6 p.m.
10-3 Tonawanda............................................... 6 p.m.
10-5 at Depew .................................................. 5 p.m.
10-9 Maryvale ................................................... 6 p.m.
10-11 at Cheektowaga .................................... 5 p.m.
10-13 Amherst tourn. ...................................... 9 a.m.
10-15 Pioneer ................................................... 6 p.m.
10-17 at Starpoint ............................................ 5 p.m.
10-19 at North .................................................. 5 p.m.
10-22 Cheektowaga ......................................... 6 p.m.
*JV times listed, varsity follows unless otherwise
noted
e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com