Central Penn College volleyball team finishes inaugural season

The 2013 Central Penn College Lady Knights finished their inaugural volleyball season in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) conference with an 8-12 record. The Lady Knights competed against five NCAA Division III schools throughout the year, including their final game against Albright College in Reading, Pa. Central Penn suffered a 3-0 loss to Albright College in the final game of the season, 25-7, 25-13, 25-11.

After coming out slow in the first set to an 0-4 deficit, the Lady Knights pulled to within two at 7-5. Albright went on a run that proved to be the difference maker.

The second set was a well-fought match as Albright led by only 14-12, but managed to string together a seven-point run that Central Penn could not respond to.

"We knew we didn't have much room for error going into this game," states Head Coach Jason Barshinger. "I felt we did well at putting them in positions where it was tough to run their offense. There were moments where we did all the little things and showed we can compete against the higher levels when we do so. These will be the building blocks as we move forward and grow stronger as a program."

Central Penn College finishes with two award winners in the USCAA conference. Shelbi Kinard received All-Academic honors while her twin sister, Brandi Kinard, was voted Second Team All-American. Brandi finished in the top five in service aces per set and total points per set and in the top 10 for kills per set. The Lady Knights' highest power ranking during the season was 18th in the nation.

"Although we have five seniors leaving us, we have a number of returning players who I am eager to continue working with," says Barshinger." Recruiting efforts are already going well. There's a lot to be excited and optimistic about with the 2014 season of Central Penn College volleyball."