Veteran Group, High Expectations for Women's Volleyball

(McKeesport, PA)

This marks season number 5 for Alyssa Finocchi leading the Women's Volleyball program at Penn State Greater Allegheny.

We recently sat down with the coach to get her thoughts on the upcoming season.

What are your expectations for this group of players?

Alyssa Finocchi - My expectations for this group are pretty high considering they are all extremely talented and we have a lot of returners. I would hope for a playoff appearance and to make a run at the PSUAC Championship game and Nationals again this year.

You're a veteran team with several returning players, how does that work to your advantage in preseason and during the season?

AF - It works in our advantage because the older girls now know what is expected of the team as a whole. They understand how I coach now and can easily lead warmups and talk with the younger girls regarding teams we play. I have the confidence in them to talk to each other on the court and make smart decisions without me having to tell them every single move.

Who are some players to keep an eye on this season?

Alix Ellis (Derry, PA/ Derry Area HS) and Sueriah Timsah (Mesquite, TX/ West Mesquite HS) will definitely be stand outs in the front row. Jenna Gralewski (Pittsburgh, PA/ Serra Catholic HS) is new to us and is extremely competitive on the defensive side.

How do you see the new players contributing in their first year?

AF - The new players will all contribute to the team in one way or another. A lot of them played in the Spring Scrimmages we had, and I was very impressed considering we did not practice with a full team all year. Seeing them mesh into one large team will really help them stay competitive and add stats to the team.

Final thoughts?

AF - I am very excited for this upcoming season and we can't wait to get back on the court. I think missing out on a season last year has been fuel for the girls to want to get back in the gym and pick back up where we left off at Nationals in 2019.