North girls volleyball to feature more balance
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Jen Pawlak, far left, Kate Curcio and Amanda Holden will serve as tri-captains for the Williamsville North girls volleyball team this season. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

The rebuilding process continues for Williamsville North girls volleyball.

After not winning a match two years ago, the Lady Spartans put together a 3-9 record in 2006, including a Section VI Class AA prequarterfinal win.

North coach Tom Sproull would like the team to reach the .500 mark this year but knows it's a far-reaching goal.

"It's going to take a lot of work and winning the tight matches," said Sproull.

Sproull graduated by far its best player, All-WNY second-team selection Krista Frieling, but feels this year's team is much more balanced.

"Everyone is at about the same level," said Sproull. "We're definitely more of a team this year where anyone can make a play. I'm interested to see if anybody will stand out as the season goes on."

Returning starters are senior Jen Pawlak and Erin Sweeney at outside hitter on the strong side and Emilee Slick and Amanda Holden. Sweeney and Holden were ECIC I second-team selections.

Also returning is junior Stephanie Clabeaux, who will be the starting setter after serving as a backup last year. Sophomore Alana Cieri, who played JV last year, will back up Clabeaux.

Other starters are junior libero Lee Schreiner and freshman weak side outside hitter Corrin Genovese. Both played JV last year.

Pawlak, Holden and senior Kate Curcio (backup libero) are the team captains.

North opens with a home match on Wednesday against Nardin.

"They're willing to lay it on the floor," said Sproull. "I don't anticipate too many free balls coming over and hitting the floor like what happened last year. As a unit, they're going to work hard together. Everyone is ready to step up and make a play."
North 2007 Schedule
9-5 Nardin ..................... 4:30 p.m.
9-7 at Amherst .................. 6 p.m.
9-11 Orchard Park............ 5 p.m.
9-14 at Frontier................. 5 p.m.
9-15 Clarence Booster Club
tourn. .................................. 9 a.m.
9-17 W.S. West................... 5 p.m.
9-19 Lancaster................... 5 p.m.
9-20 Clarence .................... 5 p.m.
9-24 South.......................... 5 p.m.
9-27 at Jamestown ........... 5 p.m.
9-29 Lady Spartans Invite 9 a.m.
10-1 at Orchard Park ....... 6 p.m.
10-3 Frontier...................... 5 p.m.
10-5 at W.S. West .............. 5 p.m.
10-9 at Lancaster .............. 5 p.m.
10-11 at Clarence......... 4:45 p.m.
10-13 Amherst tourn. ....... 9 a.m.
10-15 Maryvale .................. 5 p.m.
10-17 Jamestown .............. 5 p.m.
10-19 Amherst ................... 5 p.m.
10-22 at East ..................... 5 p.m.
*JV times listed, varsity follows
unless otherwise noted.
e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com