Dec. 21, 2001

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Charlotte 49ers volleyball team signed two players during the early signing period, head coach Lisa Marston announced today. Lisa Newell will play middle blocker and Abbey Szlanfucht will play outside hitter for the 49ers next season.

A native of Merrillville, Ind., Newell joins the Niners program from Merrillville High School and Dunes Volleyball Club. She was chosen MVP of her high school team last season, when she also earned all-conference, all-area and all-state accolades. She helped her team win sectionals and advance to the regional championships. Newell was also named MVP of the LaPorte Invatational.

"We are extremely excited to have Lisa as a part of the 49ers family," Marston said. "She is a quick, explosive athlete who will impact our program immediately. She will add much needed depth to the middle position. Her club background should prepare her well for competition in Conference USA."

Szlanfucht is also from Indiana, coming to Charlotte from Mishawaka, Ind. She has been named all-state three times, which includes a spot on the first-team all-state last season. She was also named first-team All-North Indiana Conference last season. Szlanfucht has been instrumental in her high school team's success, helping Mishawaka High School finish second in the state last year. In addition, the Cavemen earned sectional, regional and semi-state titles.

"Abbey is one of those players who has played many different positions," Marston said. "We're looking forward to her concentrating on the outside and training into a dominant player in C-USA. She has a competitive attitude and strong work ethic, which will cause her to impact during her first season. We are excited to have Abbey in the Charlotte family."

2002 Charlotte Volleyball Signees

Name               Pos.   Ht.    Yr.    Hometown (Last School)
Lisa Newell        MB     6-1    Fr.    Merrillville, Ind. (Merrillville)
Abbey Szlanfucht   OH     5-11   Fr.    Mishawaka, Ind. (Mishawaka H.S.)