In Today's Paper . . . .

The Nonnewaug volleyball team will be led this season by captains (front row, from left) Mary Harrison and Brianna Schaar, and seniors (back row) Ashley Middelmann, Jaquelyn Taylor and Brittany Codianna. Senior Courtney Ireland is not pictured

Veteran Players Return
to NHS Volleyball Team
Published:
Wednesday, September 15, 2010 9:44 AM EDT

BETHLEHEM-WOODBURY — The Nonnewaug volleyball team is ready to take on the challenges of the new season.

The Chiefs are experienced veterans. After posting a record of 12-7 overall and an 8-4 record in the Berkshire League last season, Nonnewaug is looking forward to building upon the lessons learned last year.

Coach Fran Gelzinis returns to guide the girls and is cautiously optimistic with nine players coming back to the team with lots of varsity experience.

Four players off last year's roster did graduate, however, including Kelly Garrett; All Berkshire League middle hitter Amanda Hadad; Alexandra DeFrancesco; and Lauren Jenkins-Fazio.

Returning are seniors Brittany Codianna, setter; Brianna Schaar, opposite side hitter; Jaquelyn Taylor, middle back; Ashley Middelmann, defensive specialist; Courtney Ireland, defensive specialist; and second-team All Berkshire League selection last year and outside hitter Mary Harrison.

Juniors on the team are Meryl Ramsey, outside hitter; Katie Wade, outside hitter; AnnMarie Distasi, outside hitter; Natasha Bartolotta, outside hitter; Sidney Stone, setter; Danielle Durette, middle back; Erin Brick, opposite side hitter; Katelyn Mazzuzzo, defensive specialist; and Francisca Saunders, outside hitter.

One sophomore, Madison Losure, a middle hitter, has locked in a position in the varsity line-up.

Coach Gelzinis has liked how his players have worked hard in the off season and the team has a natural cohesiveness this season. He hopes that will carry over to their game play on the floor.

The primary goal is to qualify for the CIAC Class M state tournament, but secondly, the Chiefs hope to move up in the Berkshire League standings. Early front-runners in the league race appear to be teams from Terryville and Housatonic.