East boys volleyball rebuilding

With only three returning starters from last year's 5-7 team, East boys volleyball coach Randy Ball knows this season will be a challenge.

"We graduated several starters last year," said Ball. "Outside hitter Andy Heim and middle hitter Justin Andreozzi were two big losses. To be honest, this is a major rebuilding year and we will be taking our lumps as we get more experience."

Ball returns junior middle hitter Mark Rutecki, setter and captain Chris Schiumo and junior left side hitter Peter Heim. Ball also welcomes back several role players that saw spot duty last year in the back row, including seniors Taylor Deer and Bryan Steffan.

"The rest of our lineup is filled with first-year players and former JV players that were role players," said Ball.

Ball said his team expectations are to try and be competitive as they get their new players gain experience, including the speed of the varsity game.

"I believe we will be more dangerous as the season goes on and we should be able to surprise a few teams," he added.

East played St. Joe's last Thursday and hosted Iroquois on Monday.
East 2007 Schedule
9-12 at W.S. East............... 5 p.m.
9-14 Amherst ..................... 6 p.m.
9-18 Hamburg.................... 6 p.m.
9-20 at Lake Shore ........... 5 p.m.
9-26 at South ..................... 6 p.m.
9-28 at Iroquois............ 4:30 p.m.
10-2 W.S. East ................... 6 p.m.
10-4 at Amherst ................ 6 p.m.
10-6 at South tourn. .......... 9 a.m.
10-10 at Hamburg ............. 6 p.m.
10-12 Lake Shore.............. 6 p.m.
10-18 South........................ 6 p.m.