2009 Season in Review

The Elmira College Women’s Volleyball team finished up another successful season under Head Coach Rhonda Faunce. The Soaring Eagles club owned a 17-12 record which includes a trip to the ECAC Metro-Upstate Championships where they finished second. EC won two tournaments this season including the Elmira College Invitational and Baruch Tournament; Elmira also claimed a second place finish in the Plattsburgh Tournament.

The Soaring Eagles were led this year by first year standout Sasha Zavadska ’13 (Bratislava, SVK -- The British School). In her rookie campaign, Zavadska put up veteran numbers as she led EC with 389 kills and 413 digs. She ranked second Empire 8 in kills per game (.354) and fifth in digs per game (3.75). Her outstanding play on both sides of the ball earned her several accolades this season including an Empire 8 All-Conference Second Team spot as well as AVCA Division III Honorable Mention All-American status. Her exceptional play was a key factor in the year’s success.

Also leading the team was Empire 8 Honorable Mention Janice Embury ’10 (Perry, NY -- Perry). In her last year with the Soaring Eagles, Embury shined as she made 211 kills to go along with a team high 70 blocks. She also ranked seventh in the Empire 8 Conference in hitting percentage (.244). Her leadership, dedication, and experience aided a very young Elmira team.

Tesia Kaczynski ’11 (Mansfield, PA -- Mansfield) proved to be among the league’s best in the 2009 season. Kaczynski, an Empire 8 Honorable Mention selection, had a huge year as she recorded team highs in assists (992) and aces (46). She also made 325 digs on the season. Her 992 assists put her at the sixth spot on the EC All-Time Records List for assists in a season and at fifth for career assists (1,801).

Chelsea Needham ’11 (Middletown, NY -- Middletown) and Brittany Raykoske ’12 (Gloversville, NY -- Gloversville) both provided Elmira with solid play in the 2009 season. Needham totaled 222 kills, 31 aces, and a team second best 352 blocks. She finished second on the team in kills (300), aces (44), and blocks (65). Raykoske ranked fifth in the Empire 8 Conference in hitting percentage (.250) and seventh in kills per game (2.75). Raykoske was recognized for her outstanding play by being named as an Empire 8 All-Conference Honorable Mention selection.Both players will be counted on to continue this type of play in the 2010 season. Jessica Balady ’10 (Wayne, NJ -- Wayne Valley) appeared in 30 games this season making 38 kills to go along with 39 digs. She provided EC with an experienced outside hitter with leadership that will be missed next season.

Brittany Adamson ’12 (Lockport, NY -- New Fane) had a standout second season for the Purple and Gold. She registered 73 kills, 106 assists, and 299 digs. This exceptional play was a key ingredient in this season’s success.

Francene Cicia ’13 (Sunderland, MA -- Frontier Regional), and Katie Leo ’12 (Hicksville, NY -- Holy Trinity) each logged valuable minutes of the Soaring Eagles this season. The due played in 198 games total this season logging a combined total of 5 kills and 15 assists. Cicia added an impressive 22 aces in her rookie season. In her second year with EC, Leo proved to be a defensive specialist as she recorded 304 digs. Look for both of these players to excel for years to come.

Jennifer Durso ’13 (Geneva, NY -- Waterloo), Melanie Pershyn ’13 (Lakeview, NY -- Frontier), and Andrea Masiello ’11 (Rochester, NY -- Greece Arcadia) each earned valuable experience this season. Masiello was honored this season for her exceptional sportsmanship by the Empire 8 as she was Elmira’s representative for Sportswoman of the Year.

The Soaring Eagles lose Embury and Balady to graduation.