Aug. 27, 2009

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Villanova volleyball team opens its 2009 season this weekend traveling to Maryland to compete in the Maryland Invitational. The Wildcats will play three-matches over Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29 and open against Youngstown State at 5:00 p.m. Friday. Saturday Villanova faces Stony Brook at 11:00 a.m. before concluding the tournament against host squad Maryland at 7:00 p.m.

Head coach Josh Steinbach enters his third season at the helm of the Wildcats with a relatively young squad consisting of three seniors, six sophomores and four freshmen.

"We're really excited to begin our season," Steinbach said. "We've had great practices and I'm looking forward to seeing us in action against opponents. Playing Maryland on their home court will be a good test for us and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do."

Villanova went 14-16 overall a year ago and will look to seniors Chelsea Graman, Amy Gulyas and Elysse Studzinski for leadership on the court this season, while the large sophomore class will also build on the strides made in their first season. Villanova looks to return to the Big East Tournament after a one-year absence.

Maryland is looking to start off their season strong under second-year head coach Tim Horsmon. Maryland welcomes five new freshmen faces to the roster. Senior Katie Usher will lead the Terrapins, as she was the team leader in 2008 in blocks (104.0) and kills (282). She is fifth on Maryland's all-time career list for total blocks with 403 and currently holds Maryland's single season block assist record with 180 in 2006.

The Youngstown State Penguins come to College Park led by a group of seniors with a positive outlook for the upcoming season. The Penguins are coming off of an 11-17 season and went 4-12 in Horizon League competition. Four-year head coach Joe Bonner will be faced with replacing three-year starters at setter and outside hitter but has four strong seniors to help carry the team. Senior Ruth Boscaljon is ranked 10th in school history in career kills and her current career attack percentage of .294 is the best in school history.

Stony Brook heads to Maryland looking for a strong start to a consistent season. Coming off of a 12-18 2008 season, the Seawolves finished 3-9 in America East conference play. Head coach Deborah Matejka-DesLauriers returns four starters and three other players with over 27 matches played in last year.