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Seven Newcomers Join Volleyball For 2006

Jim Lodes

“We are very excited with the quality and versatility of our first true Buffalo recruiting class,” said Lodes. “This class adds athleticism and depth. They all have the commitment to improve and will build from their successful high school and club experience.”

Kate Love (Pittsford, NY/Pittsford Sutherland/Temple) joined the Bulls this past spring after playing her freshman year at Temple. The 6’1” outside hitter saw limited action with the Owls, but looks to make an immediate impact for the Bulls.

“Kate quickly fit in with the entire team when she arrived on campus in January,” said Lodes. “She has shown great leadership abilities and we are excited to see her continued growth on the court.”

Alyssa Fitchette (Watertown, NY/Watertown/Genesee CC) is a 6’2” middle blocker and joins the Bulls after a year at Genesee Community College where she was a NJCAA II Second Team All-American that finished 14th in the nation in hitting efficiency and 10th in the nation in blocks per game.

“Alyssa is expected to fill the void on our roster that occurs with the graduation of Katie [Weekely] and Lauren [Burd],” said Lodes. “She is going to be a perfect fit as a middle in our system. We expect her to be a great blocker and versatile offensive weapon.“

Dani Silvers (Waynesville, NC/Tuscola) is one of five freshmen to join the team. She will see time at both the middle blocker and outside hitter positions. Silvers stands at 6’0” and will immediately get a trip back home as the Bulls start the season in North Carolina.

“Dani is an awesome athlete. She is so quick, moves well and jumps out of the gym,” said Lodes. “She has the potential to make an impact at several positions for us.”

Lauren Fensten (Centennial, CO/Smokey Hill) a 5’10” outside hitter, who may also see time at libero, is one of two players from Colorado joining the Bulls this season.

“Lauren is very competitive and an extremely hard worker,” said Lodes. “Her attitude and presence is something this team needs. Lauren fills some of our biggest team needs, which are ball control and defense. We look for Lauren to have an immediate impact on our program.”

Kelsey Lueders (Littleton, CO/Chatfield) is a 6’2” middle blocker from Littleton, CO and will give the Bulls added depth at that position.

“Kelsey knows what it takes to win,” said Lodes. “She has great work ethic and the commitment to become an even more physical presence. I look for her to have a strong future in the middle.”

Maria Mezzadri (Livonia, MI/Stevenson) is a 5’10” outside hitter, who has also spent time as a middle blocker.

“Maria is very driven to succeed. She always wants to get better at what she is doing,” said Lodes. “She has lots of experience playing in the middle and we look for her to play on the outside. We know she will be able to adapt to the position change.”

Ellen Robertson (Middle Island, NY/Longwood) will also join the team as a 5’2” defensive specialist.

“Ellen has a lot of energy when she plays and has great court presence,” said Lodes. “She works so hard, but it always looks like she is having fun. Ellen is someone that I think truly loves to play volleyball.”

The seven newcomers join seven returning players from last season’s campaign and the 2006 Bulls begin their season at Charlotte on Friday, August 25.