RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University volleyball head coach Lori Duncan has announced that five girls from the Pittsburgh area will be competing for the Colonels this fall. They include Courtney Bowen and Sharon Moreno, both from Pittsburgh; Mary Lee Keranko from Washington, PA; Jenny Hite from Greensburg, PA; and Jennifer Seretti from Coraopolis, PA.

Duncan is pleased to get so many athletes from such a great volleyball area.

"The great thing about Pittsburgh is a work ethic there that is blue collar," said Duncan. "They work hard and are not afraid of what has to be done to succeed. These kids understand that.

"I coach under that same blue collar mentality," continued Duncan. "You must work hard to earn it or you don't get it. It doesn't come easy."

Duncan spent the last five years as the head coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has coached Junior Olympic (JO) Volleyball teams in the Pittsburgh area, including the Nike Steel City Juniors, the 16 Elite Golden Triangles and the Nike Elite team. Her experience in Pittsburgh and with these girls made the decision that much easier in deciding who to bring to Eastern. Duncan has experience coaching all five girls, either at IUP or in JO volleyball.

Three of the five will enter EKU as sophomores who have transferred from another university. Bowen is a transfer from the University of Massachusetts, Keranko transferred from Rider University and Hite played last season for Duncan at IUP. All three have also played JO volleyball for Duncan. Both Bowen and Keranko have played under Duncan for three years, while Hite has played one year of JO's for Duncan.

"Each of these girls transferred and each have been former players of mine in Junior Olympic volleyball," said Duncan. "That makes a big difference, all know what to expect. These will be three that I will look at to add leadership to our team.

"Bowen will play outside hitter for us and will be a big part of our offense," continued Duncan. "Keranko will run our offense as our setter. It's a big responsibility, but she is capable of it. She has great hands. Hite will primarily be a defensive specialist. She will be responsible for ball control and making good passes so our offense can run, which will set up Bowen to terminate some balls."

Moreno has played one year of JO volleyball for Duncan. She is a recent graduate of Bethel Park High School.

"Moreno will start out as our weakside hitter, or OPP as it's called," said Duncan. "As she gets stronger, she will give us more options as a setter. Sharon is left-handed which gives us an advantage we wouldn't normally have. Because of her uniqueness, being left-handed, she will play the weakside, which is actually her strong side."

Seretti, a recent graduate of Moon High School, has also played one year of JO volleyball under Duncan.

"Seretti will primarily be a defensive specialist for us, but she may see some action on the front row," said Duncan. "She possesses great ball control, solid passing and plays good defense. Our ability to pass and serve will determine our success. Those two alone will determine our success."

The Colonels will open the season Tuesday, September 1, hosting the University of Evansville in a 7:00 p.m. match in Alumni Coliseum.

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