UPPER MERION VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW
Coach: Tony Funsten (17th year)
Assistant coaches: Laura Stiansen (4th year)
Last year’s record: UM went undefeated in the American Conference of the SOL for the third straight and won the title for the ninth time in the last 10 years. The Lady Vikings lost in the quarterfinals of the district after playing for the District One title in each of the last five seasons (winning twice). UM was 14-0 in the conference and 30-6 overall.
Notable losses:
Upper Merion will miss four-year starters Liz DiValerio (Kutztown) and Alex Galdi (Stockton State in NJ) as well as Brianna Alvarez (track at Temple) and Abbie Demcher (injury)
Key returners: All-State junior setter Cassidy Koenig and senior 4-year starter OH Devyn Ingram, Libero Shannon Phillips, and MH Annie Lawn
Others to watch: Juniors Heather Krick and Kendall Gazzo are both capable of playing all three front row positions effectively and will start. Talented sophomore Casey Griffith can play outside, libero or DS. Freshman OH Melanie Ingram has shown great power and could be a starter.
Outlook: “Upper Merion is looking to continue its dominance of the American Conference but is well aware of the talent at P-W and Hatboro-Horsham. There are so many good teams in the district that any one of 10-12 different teams could win.”
Fun fact: Tony Funsten is the only volleyball coach in school history at Upper Merion.
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