North East Grapepickers
Coach (season, record): Sherry Elchynski (27th season, 251-158)
2011 overall record: 8-8
2011 region record (place): 8-8 (tied for fourth)
2011 playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AA playoffs.
Top players lost: Kayla Rizzo, Stephanie Reagle, April Meehl
Top returning players: Miranda Gipe, Rachel Miller, Bailey Penrod
Assistant coach: Amy North
Outlook: North East has built a strong program under longtime coach Sherry Elchynski. The Grapepickers are always competitive in Region 5 and will need some big-time contributions to play with some of the Erie County powerhouses. North East has to replace all-region first-team libero Kayla Rizzo along with hitter Stephanie Reagle and setter April Meehl. North East added an outside sand court in the offseason to help train on and the ‘Pickers are looking to take the next step this season. Miranda Gipe, a second-team middle hitter, is back along with Rachel Miller, who lead North East in kills last fall. Bailey Penrod led the ‘Pickers in blocks last year and returns at middle hitter. North East could also receive contributions from libero Vicky Alcon along with Madi Turiczek and Sydney Sosnowski. The ‘Pickers have enough talent and experience back this fall to make a run in Region 5 but they will need several underclassmen to fill in some holes to do so.
Schedule
September
11 at Fairview* 7:30
13 at General McLane* 7:30
18 Northwestern* 7:30
20 at Fort LeBoeuf* 7:30
25 Seneca* 7:30
27 at Girard* 7:30
October
2 Iroquois* 7:30
4 Fairview* 7:30
9 General McLane* 7:30
11 at Northwestern* 7:30
16 Fort LeBoeuf* 7:30
18 at Seneca* 7:30
23 Girard* 7:30
25 at Iroquois* 7:30
*Region 5 matches
Monday: Northwestern and Oil City
– Tom Reisenweber
