CANANDAIGUA – Finger Lakes Community College women’s volleyball has added a top-caliber lineup of recruits to the 2024 squad.
The Lakers are coming off their third straight NJCAA Region III title and national championship appearance and expect another championship. They will look to become the first Region III team to capture four straight regional titles since Jamestown Community College won five straight in 1999.
Leading the pack is Anna Kurtzalts, a 5’11” outside hitter from Grand Island HS and Niagara Frontier VBC, who will also play softball for the Lakers.
A member of the National Honor Society and an officer in numerous student organizations, Kurtzaltz has been a NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete for nine seasons. She is expected to fill the void left by two-time NJCAA Division III All-American Brooke DeGroff, who will graduate in the spring.
Alongside Kurtzalz will be Penn’s Lillian Marsh, a 5’10” right side/outside hitter who will provide consistent all-around play for the Lakers’ lineup. Marsh is distinguished by her versatility and range of skills on the field, and will be an asset to the team’s performance.
Vivien Libby, who stands 6’1″, is a middle hitter from Pine Valley HS and 716 United VBC. A multi-sport athlete, Libby made her presence felt on the soccer field and basketball court during her high school career. Her blocking power will be a valuable area for improvement compared to last year’s Lakers.
Emily Jordan comes to the program with three NYSPHSAA Class C state championships under her belt. Jordan is a 5’4″ Libero/DS from Portville HS and Octane VBC. She is also a member of the OC Beach Volleyball Club. Emily’s exceptional serving, passing and defense skills are expected to make her one of the top servers in the NJCAA next season. With a strong background in Portville program, Jordan is a promising prospect for the Lakers.
Other inductees include Brooke Poutre, a 5’10” outside hitter from Saratoga High School and Lakeside Volleyball Club; Haley Schouten, a multi-talented athlete from Elba HS and Sunsetters VBC, plays as a 5’9″ middle/outside hitter; Jackie Neureuter, a 5’7″ player from Pembroke HS and VolleyFX VBC; Chloe Dailey, a 5’5″ outside hitter from Bishop Grimes HS and Koda Crown VBC; and Brianna Bansbach of Gates Chili’s.
The 2024 Lakers will be well positioned for a fourth straight NJCAA Region III title. The Lakers will test their talent in Rockford, Illinois in Opening Weekend Championship, the largest NJCAA volleyball tournament in the country, August 23-25, 2024.