Volleyball to experience Youth Movement in 2012

North Adams, MA- The MCLA Volleyball team will begin its season on Friday evening when they travel to Eastern Nazarene with 13 underclassmen filling up the roster. The Trailblazers do return nine letter winners however; as they look to rebound from the 12-21 season a year ago.

Led by seventh year head coach Amanda Beckwith, MCLA does return all MASCAC selection Kelley Bryant along with a host of other experienced players who saw plenty of action in 2011.  Bryant was named to the all conference team as an outside hitter a year ago notching 93 kills, which is the top returning total on the roster.  Bryant, a junior, will be joined on the attack by fellow classmate Julia Christian. The middle hitter was second on the team in kills per game last year, however only appeared in 23 matches.

Sophomore Angelica Perfido can also be dangerous as she collected 86 kills last season while totaling 39 service aces.  Brittany Kish returns for her second season as setter where she collected a team best 470 assists. She also added a team best 40 aces.

MCLA will be tested early as they play a rash of games early on including a tri match on Saturday following the Friday opener at Eastern Nazarene. The Trailblazers will play a midweek contest before heading to the Keuka College tournament the following weekend.

The Trailblazers will mark their calendars for the September 11^th home opener against MASCAC foe Worcester State. MCLA will play a 30 game regular season slate in 2012.

The MASCAC race should be exciting as well. New in 2012 is a six team playoff format (formally four teams qualified) with the top two teams earning a bye into the semifinals. MCLA was on the outside looking in a year ago as they finished with a 2-4 mark in conference play. The Trailblazers were tabbed fifth in the recent MASCAC preseason poll.