May 15, 2009

RUSTON -- Louisiana Tech head coach Matt Sonnichsen announced the addition of four newcomers to the volleyball roster incoming for this fall.

"I am very excited to announce our 2009 incoming players," Sonnichsen said. "I want to thank our current players, the athletic department staff, along with so many administrators and professors who played a significant role in attracting these outstanding student-athletes to Louisiana Tech University."

New to the Techster lineup will be juniors Lori Hunsucker and Jennifer Goodwin transferring from Blinn College along with juniors Kassia Pinto and Nataliya Panova. Pinto will transfer from Lake Land College, while Panova comes from the University of Houston. Hunsucker and Goodwin helped lead Blinn College to a NJCAA National Championship in volleyball.

"We needed to increase our depth in the outside hitter and passing positions for 2009 and beyond," Sonnichsen said. "Kassia Pinto, Jennifer Goodwin and Nataliya Panova are each very good outside hitters, who have the ability to play six rotations and pass the ball very well. As important as their volleyball skills, each player has collegiate playing experience and will be able to transition quicker to the WAC level of volleyball. Lori Hunsucker is an elite Libero and will give us the passing stability to greatly increase our offense attack."

Sonnichsen expects his new additions to help put some of his returners back into their original positions.

"One of biggest challenges last season was that we had a number of student-athletes playing out of their natural volleyball positions," Sonnichsen said. "With the 2009 incoming class, we can move some of our returning players to spots where they will be more productive, while increasing depth in each position. I believe the competition for playing time and to garner a starting position will be significant, while increasing the abilities of every member of the team. I am very much looking forward to the 2009 season."

Tech opens the season Aug. 28 in the first of two home tournaments hosted by the Lady Techsters.

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