Jan. 4, 2010

PITTSBURGH-Members of the Pitt volleyball team enjoyed a banner season in 2009, finishing second in the Big East Conference, producing two All-Americans and earning accolades on both team and individual levels.

"I'm very pleased with this group of student-athletes. Their work ethic and commitment to getting better was outstanding," said Head Coach Toby Rens. "Everyone counted us out in the Pre-Season Coaches poll. We were picked eighth in the Big East, but we finished second."

In addition to the Big East showing and the All-American honors, the Panthers made these notable accomplishments during the 2009 season:
• Set a school record for most wins in Big East play (12).
• Posted a win over a Top-20 team (#18 Wichita State).
• Set a school record for straight-set shutouts in conference play (eight).
• Received votes for the Top 25 Coaches Poll.
• Finished the season with a top 50 ranking in the country, according to the final NCAA DI Volleyball RPI.

"The team has undoubtedly received its share of well-deserved praise from friends and family for their accomplishments during the season," Rens said. "Our student-athletes played hard and need to enjoy the 20-win season and second-place finish in the Big East."

Rens noted that the team made the accomplishments despite starting the season with the loss of four starters from the 2008 team.

"I was very happy with the way several individuals improved and stepped it up this season," Rens said.

Rens also knows that his players are already looking ahead to the challenges of the 2010 season. He believes that the team commitment to a great 2010 season was galvanized further when Meagan Dooley garnered All-America status and Michelle Rossi earned an honorable mention nod.

"I was proud to see Meagan receive the awards for Big East Player of the Year and AVCA All-America, "Rens said. "She showed exceptional leadership and commitment to making herself and the team better during the off season.

"Michelle was equally dedicated and had an exceptional year. It was a well deserved honor for Michelle to be named Big East Libero of the Year and All-America honorable mention.

"Although these are individual awards they had a great team behind them. Every day Meagan and Michelle were pushed by teammates like Amy Town, Melissa Stadelman, Imani Harper and Allyson Hodnik," Rens added. "Everyone on the team made them better and we became better as a group. Players like Melanie Feldman, Rachel Kalberer, Tara Rohall and Jenn Katona didn't always show up in the boxscore but helped us improve every day in practice.

"I hope this group can look back and enjoy what they accomplished this season when so many people counted them out as would-be Big East contenders. They have earned that right."

While Rens wants them to appreciate their accomplishments, he knows that his players want to do even more next season.

"These young women are very driven," Rens said. "Now that they've had that taste of success they will want to go further. We will be losing three outstanding seniors but we have a group of juniors that were major contributors to our success this past season. I have no doubt that they will leave their mark on the program as seniors in 2010.

"I'm very happy for the seniors and all of the accolades that they attained," Rens commented. "As a new year begins, we are looking to the future. 2009 was great, but now we are looking to take the next step in 2010. We are determined to make it an even greater year."

Rens emphasized that cultivating new talent is always at the forefront of maintaining a successful team.

"That's just the way I work," Rens said. "The future of the program is very exciting. We have worked so hard to get to this point and I know we probably exceeded some expectations this season, but I don't want it to end."

Rens acknowledged the support the team receives from the university community and how that contribution bolsters the effort of the student-athletes.

"So many great people here at Pitt are committed to our student-athletes having the best experience possible," Rens said. "Everyone from Chancellor Nordenburg to Steve Pederson, Donna Sanft, Wendy Meyers, Penny Semaia, Kim King, Brian Bonnar and Kirk Bruce have been extremely supportive."

According to Rens, that support encouraged team members to strive for the best this past season and will play a big part in the drive for even greater success in the upcoming season.

"Hard work and determination got us to this point and now we want to take it to the next level," Rens added.

In order to attain that goal, the Panthers have taking very little time off since the season ended. Much of that drive is self-initiated, according to Rens.

"While we've had no formal volleyball workouts, players have been seen running and working out in the weight room on their own," Rens noted. "From a coaching standpoint it's great to see that drive from our student-athletes.

"We'll get started soon after the spring semester begins, in January," Rens said. "I'll be interested to see the development we make during the spring and what level they take it to during the summer."

In addition to the aforementioned accomplishments, the 2009 Panthers also made their mark in four different national categories.
• Seventh in blocks per set (2.86).
• Tied for 25th in kills per set (14.02).
• 24th in assists per set (13.04).
• 38th in hitting percentage (.247).

Individual members propelled the team to new heights with NCAA DI rankings:
• All-American Meagan Dooley finished seventh in the country with 1.50 blocks per set.
• All-American Michelle Rossi finished with 4.89 digs per set.
• Sophomore setter Allyson Hodnik finished 27th in assists per set (11.10)