Former player, assistant O’Keefe takes over Seton LaSalle volleyball program

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, September 11, 2017 | 5:54 PM

Amy O'Keefe needed no introductions to the Seton LaSalle girls volleyball program.

The Rebels' first-year head coach served as an assistant to Mark Felbinger the past two seasons, and she is a 2011 Seton LaSalle graduate.

O'Keefe was a 10-time varsity letterwinner while competing in volleyball, basketball and lacrosse in high school, then continued her volleyball career as a four-year starting setter at Franciscan in Steubenville, Ohio.

During her senior year in college, the Lady Barons earned a bid to the NCAA Division III tournament as Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference champions.

O'Keefe, who finished with 2,420 career assists, was named the team's most valuable player.

“It is especially exciting for me to be returning to Seton LaSalle as head coach because it is my alma mater,” O'Keefe said. “We have a strong team this year with many returning varsity players. We have goals to develop individually as players, and as a team to go further in the playoffs than in previous seasons. The girls are very committed to playing together and working for their common goal.

“Preseason practices (were) intense, focused practices. We have been working on both the speed and variety of our offense, as well as creating an effective defense. We are creating a cohesive team unit that is working clearly toward our goals. The girls have shown their commitment to excellence in giving their best effort anytime they step on the court.”

Seton LaSalle finished as a section runner-up in 2016, posting a 9-3 record in league play.

The Rebels lost to Freeport in the WPIAL Class AA quarterfinals; Freeport then went on to win its second consecutive WPIAL title.

Four seniors, five juniors and one sophomore are back from last year's playoff team.

Bridget Hart (MH), Ellie Grefenstette (OH), Maggie Syverson (DS) and Alyssa Eicker (OH) provide senior leadership. Hart and Grefenstette are fourth-year varsity members.

The junior class is represented by Jenni Pitts (MH), Emily Farley (DS), Jessica Darkowski (MH/RS), Amy Ferari (S) and Jessica Schneider (DS). Chloe Lestitian (S/RS) is the lone sophomore member of the team.

O'Keefe provided a brief sketch on each member of the 2017 squad:

• Bridget Hart — “Bridget is a strong leader on the team and has been named one of our captains. She is a very athletic player, and uses her height to create a strong swing and large block in the front row. Bridget has been a big contributor to the varsity program since her freshmen year.”

• Ellie Grefenstette — “Ellie is a smart player who is also always a calm force on the court. Ellie is a very consistent, all-around player. She has a great mindset for the game, and has been a starting varsity player since her freshmen year.”

• Jenni Pitts — “Jenni is a powerful hitter and blocker who makes her presence known when on the court. She is a great athlete (and) has improved a lot during the offseason. Jenni is a very aggressive player, and is very committed to excellence.”

• Emily Farley — “Emily is a skilled defensive specialist, and is a strong leader in the back row. She communicates well and is very knowledgeable of the game. Emily is a good athlete, and is disciplined in her play.”

• Maggie Syverson — “Maggie is one of our senior captains and leaders on the team. Maggie is very dedicated, and is a very strong defensive player, as well as versatile, all-around talented player.”

• Alyssa Eicker — “Alyssa had significant (playing) time on the outside last year. She is a very versatile player, and hustles after every ball. Alyssa has demonstrated her leadership both on and off the court.”

• Jessica Darkowski — “Jess is a returning starter. She played mostly right-side previously, but has stepped up in learning the middle position this summer, as well. Jess has shown a lot of improvement from last year, and we are excited to see her make an even bigger impact on the court this year.”

• Amy Ferari — “This is Amy's first year as a varsity setter. She is a hard worker, and has been taking charge of the offense to lead her hitters.”

• Chloe Lestitian — “Chloe is a very quick player who is newer to the game of volleyball. She is a great athlete, and a great addition to our team. As a right-side hitter and setter, Chloe is a hard worker who offers the option of a 6-2 offense.”

• Jess Schneider — “Jess is another defensive force on our team. We are excited to see her continue to develop on the varsity level, and bring added depth to our defensive play.”

Seton LaSalle opened section play with a 3-0 win against Steel Valley.

The Rebels have won 10 section championships in girls volleyball in school history.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.