Treser

ERIE — Kelly Treser didn’t play as much volleyball as she had hoped during her four years of high school.

Now in college, the native of Cranberry Township is making up for it.

Treser, who recently completed her freshman season as a middle hitter for Penn State Behrend, totaled 246 kills and 83 blocks for the Lions.

Both numbers were second on the team and helped the Lions finish with an overall record of 19-12.

“Kelly is a pretty talented player and her numbers from last season bear that out,” said Behrend coach Phil Pisano.

Treser, who stands an even 6 feet, was named the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Newcomer of the Year and was honored with first-team all-conference accolades.

At Seneca Valley High, Treser didn’t make the varsity team until her senior year, but she went on to be named to the all-section first team, was an all- WPIAL pick and earned a spot on the all-state team in 2009.

“Seneca Valley is a very competitive program,” said Treser. “The years I didn’t make the team, it was because there were players better than me. I just kept working hard.”

Treser started in her first college match, a clash with Bethany College at the Marietta River City Classic Sept. 3 in Marietta, Ohio.

She managed five kills in a 3-0 loss and remained a fixture in the Lions’ starting lineup.

“I didn’t have an idea of how much playing time I would get as a freshman,” said Treser. “I just want to play, do my best and let things happen.

“Everything is so much faster in the college game,” she added. “It took me a while to get comfortable on the court, but, eventually, things worked out.”

Pisano said he was pleased with the progress Treser has made.

“We had high hopes for Kelly at the start of the year,” he said. “Over the course of the season, as she realized what she meant to the team, both her focus and effort improved.

“But she has not reached the ceiling,” Pisano added. “Her leadership can grow and I believe she can have a larger impact at the net with her blocking.”

“I want to improve in every area of my game,” Treser said. “Sometimes I’m so aggressive, I just try to get the ball down any way I can. I have to start playing with more smarts.”

Treser and Lions freshman setter Chelsea Magnusen (400 assists in 2010) will play key roles in Behrend’s immediate future.

“There’s a special connection between a hitter and setter,” said Treser. “Once they get comfortable with each other, it makes things so much easier.

“I definitely have that with Chelsea. Next year should be fun.”