June 1, 2009

EASTON, Pa. - Four players will join the Lafayette volleyball team this fall as the members of the Class of 2013. Head coach Terri Dadio Campbell will welcome players from three states who will fill a variety of positions on the squad.

"I am very excited to have these four young women joining us this fall," Campbell said. "They are all talented student-athletes who have excelled in the classroom and will make our roster even more competitive. I anticipate this group will make a significant impact on our team and will play an important role in our future success."

Fiorella Bellini (Vienna, Va./Trinity) was a four-year letterwinner at the Trinity School at Meadow View (Va.). She was a four-time team MVP and a three-time all-conference player. Bellini, who will be a defensive specialist for the Leopards, was a member of the Metro American, NOVA and Northern Virginia volleyball clubs.

A two-sport athlete, Bellini was also an all-conference soccer player at Trinity.

Bellini on why she chose Lafayette: "I first was attracted to Lafayette because of its great Neuroscience and volleyball programs. After visiting the campus, the friendly and cozy environment completely won me over."

Sarah Frohnapfel

Sarah Frohnapfel (Stafford, Va./Colonial Forge) was a four-time district champion at Colonial Forge. During her senior season, the setter was named team MVP, Commonwealth District Player of the Year as well as the Northwest Region Player of the Year. She also picked up Second-Team All-State honors last fall, was an All-Met Honorable Mention and leaves as the holder of six school records--assists in a game, assists in a season, career assists, aces in a season, career aces and career serving attempts. Frohnapfel is also third all-time in Virginia history in three categories (career assists, career aces and serving attempts).

Frohnapfel helped guide her Colonial Forge team to four district championships, one regional championship and two state tournament appearances. She was a member of the Treasure Coast and the Fredericksburg Juniors volleyball clubs. Also a member of Colonial Forge's track and field team, she was a four-time all-district, all-region and all-state track athlete. Academically, she was a member of the National Honor Society and served as student council vice president.

Frohnapfel on why she chose Lafayette: "I was looking for a school where I would be challenged academically, have the opportunity to play the sport I love and could make a name for myself in a social atmosphere where I wouldn't simply be another face in the crowd. Lafayette was the perfect fit.

Alexandra Russo

Alexandra Russo (New Providence, N.J./New Providence) earned four varsity letters at New Providence. She served as team captain last fall and also picked up MVP honors. She was named to the All-Union County First Team as well as the Group I Second Team as a senior. During her sophomore and junior seasons, Russo was named to the All-Conference Valley Division First Team and was New Providence's Rookie of the Year.

Russo, who will be an outside hitter for Lafayette, played club volleyball with the Allegro 16 and 17 national squads as well as the TCS New Jersey National Team. She also lettered in basketball and softball and was an honor roll member at New Providence.

Russo on why she chose Lafayette: "I chose Lafayette because it has the perfect balance of academics and athletics."

Kaitlynn Zoller

Rounding out the class is Kaitlynn Zoller (Solon, Ohio/Solon), an all-district player as a senior at Solon. She served as co-captain last fall and helped lead the team to a regional title and state playoff appearance. She played with the Cleveland, Renaissance and ACE club teams. An all-around player, Zoller is expected to make an impact as a strong net player for the Leopards.

In addition to her volleyball career, Zoller was a member of Solon's basketball team and was also named co-captain of that squad. She also spent nine years as a member of USA Swimming. Zoller was a conference scholar-athlete in both volleyball and basketball, a member of the honor and merit rolls and will earn an Honors Diploma.

Zoller on why she chose Lafayette: "I felt that there was a great balance between Lafayette's challenging academics and competitive Division I sports. Also, the campus was beautiful and the atmosphere was very friendly. Altogether, it seemed like the perfect fit.

The Leopards begin preseason practice on August 14 and open their season on Sept. 2 at St. Francis (N.Y.).