2008 Season in Review

Another successful season under Head Coach Rhonda Faunce came to a close this fall with the Soaring Eagles sporting a 16-14 overall record. The Elmira women ran off seven consecutive victories to open the season,  which included top honors at the EC Invitational.   They concluded their season with a bid to the ECAC Championship Tournament held in New York, NY. 

Two Members of the graduating Class of 2009, Susan Clark ’09 (Cooperstown, NY -- Cooperstown) and Jen Jenkins ’09 (Derby, NY -- Lake Shore Senior), served as team captains alongside third year standout Janice Embury ’10 (Perry, NY -- Perry). 

Clark tied for the team lead with 103 games played. An excellent all-around player, Clark finished third on the team in kills (211), third in service aces (46), and led the team in digs (270).  Jenkins averaged 2.01 digs per game as the team’s defensive specialist. Both provided a unique leadership that will be missed next season.

Embury was the focal point of the offense once again this fall. In her third season she appeared in 103 games, leading the team with 2.52 kills per game, 49 blocks, and a .267 hitting percentage. Embury finished the year fourth in hitting percentage and seventh in kills in the Empire 8 Conference. She will be looked to in 2009 to lead the squad as the team’s only returning captain.

Four Members of the Class of 2011 had an impact this season, including Chelsea Needham ’11 (Middletown, NY -- Middletown) and Tesia Kaczynski ’11 (Mansfield, PA -- Mansfield).  Needham showcased her power and athleticism in 91 games at outside hitter, registering 91 kills and 131 digs for the Purple and Gold.  Kaczynski was equally impressive in her first season as the team’s setter. In 102 games, she led the team with 7.93 assists per game.  Kaczynski ended her rookie campaign first in the Empire 8 Conference 57 aces for a 0.56 average.

Jessica Balady ’10 (Wayne, NJ -- Wayne Valley), Carlie Cerne ’11 (North Collins, NY -- North Collins), and Stephanie Loganchuk ’10 (Hillsdale, NJ -- Immaculate Heart Academy) were vital role players. Their efforts and experience guided the young squad through the season.

A core of talented young players contributed immediately to the Soaring Eagles successful season.  Brittany Raykoske ’12 (Gloversville, NY -- Gloversville) experienced a break out season up front. Her .244 hitting percentage was seventh in the Conference, while her 2.44 kills per game stood ninth.  Raykoske was twice honored by the Empire 8 as the Rookie of the Week on September 8th and November 3rd.

Brittany Adamson ’12 (Lockport, NY -- Newfane) and Katie Leo ’12 (Hicksville, NY -- Holy Trinity) provided a spark for the Soaring Eagles’ offense and defense.  Adamson excelled in all areas of the court, claiming 87 kills, 78 assists, 33 service aces, and 192 digs.  Leo was solid in the back court as the team’s Libero. Her 265 digs finished second on the team.

The Soaring Eagles will lose Clark and Jenkins to graduation.