Developing Panthers on the Road to Success
Edelmann, Hintz Show Glimpse of Bright Future  

Purchase, NY (Nov. 3, 2009) – Each season since its winless 2006, Purchase has improved on the volleyball court.

After going 0-28 three years ago, the Panthers won five matches in 2007, eight last fall and now 11 this year – the second under head coach Nelson Kwok. Slowly but surely, the women’s volleyball program is turning into a fierce competitor in the Skyline Conference. Under the guidance of Kwok and first-year assistant Kim Martinez, Purchase showed some serious signs of taking another step forward.

Assuming all goes according to plan, the team will return every one of its nine players next year with not one senior on the roster this fall. The Panthers have a plethora of young, outstanding talent headed up by Taylor Edelmann. The freshman dominated nearly every statistical category both offensively and defensively for the Panthers. Edelmann earned two Honor Roll distinctions throughout the year and was named the Skyline Player of the Week in late September. Edelmann was among the league’s top rookies and is a serious contender for Skyline Rookie of the Year. She was later named to the All-Skyline 2nd Team.

Not to be outdone, Olivia Hintz also enjoyed a fine season. Edelmann’s partner in crime, with her long arms and powerful spike, killed over 200 points this fall, up from 134 a year ago. Hintz also led the team in blocks (14) for the second year in a row and earned an Honor Roll nod of her own in mid October for her efforts.

Purchase rounded up their frontcourt with the return of Michelle Fetky, who missed most of last year with a torn ACL. Donning a knee brace on her knee, “Meesh” swatted 93 kills for the season with no signs of limitation.

Transfer Erika Stahl wasted no time in bursting onto the Panther scene. The junior led the team in service aces (48) for the year and committed the fewest errors on the attack of the regular starters with just 49.

The women keep getting better each year, and with everyone expected to return next fall, the Panthers may have finally put together the squad this college has been waiting to see.

-Mike Zacchio

2009 Recaps:
Dominant Vassar Too Much for Purchase
Balanced Attack Helps Panthers Sweep City Tech
Panthers Snap Losing Streak, Down SJC-BKLYN
Tri-Match Battles at MSM Fall Short
Strong Start Not Enough Against CSI
Panthers Outlast CMSV; Roll to Third Straight
Panthers Pickup Second Straight Win
Hintz Dominant in Sweep of Maritime
Panthers Hold Own Against Skyline Best
Bridges Downed by Purchase
Panthers Swept at Oneonta State Invite
Hintz Powers Sweep of CSE
Morning Loss Aside, Panthers Perk Up; Split Tri-Match
Backed by Faithful, Panthers Shutout SLC
Panthers Show Signs of Coming Around
Panthers Breakout in Home Opener, Earn First Win
Panthers Lose Pair at Ramapo
Panthers Still Searching for First Win
Tough Weekend at Rowan
Neighboring Rival Takes Opener

2009 News:
Edelmann Garners All-Skyline Honors
Edelmann Earns Third Honor Roll Distinction
Hintz Garners Honor Roll Mention
Edelmann Named League's Top Rookie
Edelmann Earns Honor Roll Nod
Martinez Named Assistant to Kwok