June 10, 2009

Additionally, Opperman has added junior Sydney Schwab (Bradford Woods, Pa./North Allegheny) to the roster. Schwab has been a member of the Dukes' track and field team the past two seasons.

Buse, a 6-1 middle hitter, led Moon Area to the 2006 WPIAL championship and Section 5 AAA titles as well as a share of the 2008 Section 5 crown. She was named to the WPIAL first-team and to the all-section team her senior season. In 2007, Buse was a WPIAL second-team selection as well as being named to the all-section team. She also lettered in track and field.

"Ashley is a tall, lanky middle that can be a very intimidating blocker," said Opperman. "Her reach and block height make it difficult for attackers to get the ball by her. She will be a very solid attacker that can hit a variety of play sets. Ashley will be a great teammate and a tireless worker on the floor."

Buse plans on majoring in business.

Scheirman, a 5-11 outside hitter, led Mt. Lebanon to the 2007 WPIAL championship and a share of two of Section 5 AAA titles. The three-year varsity starter was named to the all-state, all-WPIAL and all-section teams her junior and senior seasons as well as being voted to the all-district and all-section teams her sophomore year.

"Sara is a fiery competitor that has the drive to "will" her team to win," said Opperman. "She is a very athletic and dynamic player that can contribute right away. She hits with a lot of power and has a variety of shots that make her a very effective attacker. Her ball control and defensive skills are very stable which will allow our team to perform at a higher level. Sara is a "go to" player on the court."

Scheirman plans on enrolling in the School of Health Sciences.

The pair were teammates on the Renaissance Volleyball Club.

Schwab, who has competed on the Dukes track and field team the past two years, joins the volleyball team after wining a silver medal at the 2009 Atlantic 10 Championships in the javelin.

The junior defensive specialist was on the 2006 North Allegheny team that was WPIAL runner-up. Schwab was a two-year volleyball letter winner for the Tigers.

"Sydney is a very good athlete that will be looked upon to add more defensive strength to our team," said Opperman. "She is a very good ball control player; she could be a very nice impact on the team this fall."

A pharmacy major, Schwab is a member of the Director of Athletics' Honor Roll.

The volleyball season begins August 28th when the Dukes host Radford at the A.J. Palumbo Center.