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Volleyball Head Coach Tammy Silva is using PCC’s prominence to attract new athletes from near and far to contribute to the upcoming 2009 season.Players have come from places as distant as China and Mexico and another has come from the relatively local Cypress College, all with aspirations of aiding the Lancer sophomores in their campaign to imitate last season’s successful performance.

The Lancers finished second in the South Coast Conference, posted a 16-7 effort and ranked as high as 19 in the California Community College Women’s Volleyball Coaches Association State Poll in the 2008 season.

It is the first time the Lancers were ranked in the CCCWVCA State Poll since 2002.

The Lancers said goodbye to All-SCC players Vanessa Amran, Candice Price and Ashley Marshman to scholarships.

First Team All-SCC outside hitter Marshman accepted a scholarship to play at Cal Poly Pomona and Second Team All-SCC setter Amran accepted a scholarship to play at Whittier College.

Fellow All-SCC teamer Price decided to put a hold on her volleyball career and declined the numerous offers presented to her. However she did accept an academic scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Although a considerable amount of skill has departed on to other endeavors, Silva is confident her team will respond well to the absences.

Silva expects sophomore Galia Sotomayor to bring veteran experience to the team as she makes a position move from middle to right outside hitter.

Last season Sotomayor was third on the team with 153 kills, led the team in blocks with 52, and third on the team in digs with 74.

Along with Sotomayor, Cypress College transfer Nicole Holmes and 2008 All-SCC First Team Libero Marissa Rangel are projected to create a formidable defense and provide veteran leadership for the Lancers this season according to Silva.

“I’m really comfy with new players,” said Rangel. “I’m making sure they understand the system, I have a feeling we’re going to be more consistent.”

As the defensive specialist of the team Rangel led the team in digs with 309 and a 4.23 game average.

Silva was optimistic about how the development of new players and the familiarity of the returning players wold combine to make a stronger roster than the previous season.

“Our talent and athleticism looks stronger this year. Even though were missing our big players, the defense is looking solid,” said Silva.

Silva has changed the summer training regimen to include an hour of conditioning and an hour of weightlifting a day. She also started summer training two weeks earlier to assess and evaluate new players who would want to join the team.

“The different training is to get the girls to a higher level aggressively,” said Silva. “Last year it took us till the middle of the season to start playing aggressive. I want to get right in to as the season begins.”

The Lancers open their 2009 campaign with a game against Cypress College on Aug 28 in Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium at 3 p.m.

Sophomore Nicole Holmes rises up to spike the volleyball in a scrimmage during summer practice. (Brian Warouw)

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