Panthers to field young, athletic team
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Senior middle hitter Dan Miranda, hitting, is one of three captains for Sweet Home. File photo

Despite only five returning players and two seniors making up the Sweet Home boys volleyball roster, Panthers' coach Rich Cicero is optimistic heading into the season.

"We're looking solid," said Cicero. "We're young but we have some returning talent."

Leading the Panthers will be tri-captains senior middle hitters Dan Miranda and Brian Vitello and junior right side outside hitter, 6-foot-5 Ryan Beulens.

"All bring something different," said Cicero. "Beulens is the leader as far as athletic ability. You can count on him for big plays. Miranda is an overall fantastic player. He has a great attitude and is always looking to get better. If something is needed to get done, he gets it done. Vitello is our vocal leader. The kids look up to him and value his opinion. He pushes others in practice."

Miranda, 6-foot-4, is a returning starter. Beulens, who mostly played JV last year, can also provide good size on the right side as a blocker.

Another Panther who will contribute a lot is 6-foot-6 sophomore Steven Maxwell, who started some games last year in the middle.

"He's been working like crazy over the summer and has made huge improvements," said Cicero.

Maxwell and Vitello are vying for a starting position this year. Cicero said whoever doesn't start between them will be rotated into the lineup.

Other Panthers who will see significant playing time are 6-foot-5 sophomore Trevor Barrett in the front row, right side, and outside hitters 5-foot-11 junior Brian Price, 6-foot-4 sophomore Cody Stonish and 5-foot-10 junior Jared McHenry. All four come from JV. Also up from JV is junior Ricky Bradt, who has been working a lot in the back row, and junior Corey O'Brien and sophomore Corey Desiderio, who will handle the setting.

Sweet Home opens at Williamsville North on Friday. They play in the Clarence tournament on Saturday.

"I'm very young but we'll see," said Cicero. "We're competing against big guns like Clarence and Frontier. They are good teams and well-coached, so it will be a challenge."

"I think we'll have to work hard for each win," added. "Sweet Home is never in a position to take any team lightly, and this year is no exception."
Sweet Home 2007 Schedule
9-7 at North ...................................................... 5 p.m.
9-8 at Clarence tourn...................................... 8 a.m.
9-10 Frontier..................................................... 5 p.m.
9-12 Lancaster.................................................. 5 p.m.
9-17 at Cheektowaga ...................................... 5 p.m.
9-18 Clarence ................................................... 5 p.m.
9-22 at Cheektowaga tourn............................... 8 a.m.
9-24 W.S. West.................................................. 5 p.m.

9-25 at Orchard Park ...................................... 6 p.m.
9-28 at Frontier................................................ 5 p.m.
9-29 Sweet Home tourn.................................. 9 a.m.
10-2 at Lancaster ............................................. 5 p.m.
10-4 North ........................................................ 5 p.m.
10-10 at Clarence............................................. 6 p.m.
10-11 Maryvale ................................................. 5 p.m.
10-16 at W.S. West ........................................... 5 p.m.
10-18 Orchard Park......................................... 5 p.m.
10-22 Cheektowaga ......................................... 5 p.m.
10-25 at Maryvale ............................................ 5 p.m.
*JV times listed, varsity follows unless otherwise
noted.