KUTZTOWN, Pa. (September 22, 2011) – The Kutztown University women's volleyball team has been nothing short of impressive through its 2011 campaign thus far.  The Golden Bears enter their Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division home-opening weekend with a division rival, and a rematch of last season's PSAC quarterfinal matchup. 
 
The Golden Bears take on the Marauders of Millersville University on Friday, Sept. 23rd beginning at 7 p.m. at Keystone Arena. They turn back around to face the Raiders of Shippensburg University at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24th.
 
Kutztown (11-4 overall, 1-3 PSAC East) has already showed they have the ability to surpass what they accomplished last season by going 10-1 out of conference, which included four straight-set wins.  Despite going 1-3 in its PSAC trip out West, Kutztown looks forward to protecting its home court as it has done perfectly this year, going 5-0 at Keystone Arena. 
 
“For us, this the third distinct part of our season,” head women's volleyball coach John Gump said.  “The start of division matches is the biggest focus.  Winning at home is important to us and we have done a good job protecting our home court.  It has out us in a position to challenge for the division late in the year.”
 
Kutztown is led with a potent offense that posses a 'don't quit' attitude along with exceptional athleticism.  Senior Cait Hess (Newark, DE/St. Mark's) is already back on track from her stellar junior season in 2010.  She has blasted 88 kills thus far on 253 total attacks.  
 
Hess has not been alone on the frontline.  Fellow senior Cali Snell (York, PA/York Suburban) has proven to be the one-two punch Coach Gump is looking for.  Snell has 75 kills and has also been strong on the defensive end with 12 solo blocks and 32 assisted blocks.  She is a main reason why KU leads the conference in blocks (2.91/game).
 
You also can't mention the Golden Bears without speaking of senior libero Lindsey Smith (Hanover, PA/Delone Catholic).  Smith has been the heart and soul of the Kutztown women's volleyball team in 2011.  Smith steps out at only 5 foot 5 inches, yet she plays bigger than anyone else on the court.  If she isn't found diving around making point-saving digs, she is setting up the KU 'big two' attack.  Smith has 227 digs this season and leads the team with eight service aces.
 
The Golden Bears open their weekend Friday against Millersville.  KU took both matchups last season against the Marauders.  Millersville (5-8, 1-2) is led by freshman outside hitter Katie Lesinski and sophomore setter Jessica Franz. Lesinski has posted 80 kills this season on 249 total attacks (32.13%).  Her sidekick Franz has been the backbone to the Marauder offense with 214 assists. She is ninth in the PSAC with 21 serve aces in 44 opportunities.   
 
Kutztown will need key players to step up and execute if they plan on leaving the weekend with two wins.  On Saturday, the Golden Bears will be tested in a rematch of last year's PSAC quarterfinal match against Shippensburg.
 
The Raiders (3-9, 0-2) are led by two-time PSAC East Player of the Week Jill Edwards.  The sophomore has collected 219 kills, 107 digs, and 13 blocks.  Edwards is accompanied with Libby Woffindin who has 113 kills and 33 blocks.
 
“In our tournament in West Virginia, we watched Ship for a while over the weekend,” Gump noted.  “We know how good they are and this very well could be the first of three matchups again this year.”
 
This weekend is Kutztown's fourth annual Paint the Town Gold celebration.  Paint the Town Gold is a community engagement initiative designed to spread excitement and create positive experiences between Kutztown University, the Borough of Kutztown and Maxatawny Township.

This project engages students, faculty, staff and administration with residents and community leaders in the greater Kutztown area to generate interest, support and enthusiasm for KU and the community. PTTG was the recipient of the 2008-2009 NCAA Division II Community Engagement Award of Excellence.  For additional information, please visit www.paintthetowngold.com.
 
Looking ahead, Kutztown will have five days in-between games for the second consecutive week.  KU will host Lock Haven on Friday, Sept. 30 for a PSAC match beginning at 7 p.m.