With just five players returning from last season's state semifinalist varsity team, the 2009 Alter guys' volleyball team is anxious to step into post-season play which gets underway next week. The Knights have suffered through a few minor injuries during pre-season and regular season so far this year, but are currently sporting an 11-9 record and a share of the number-one seed going into next week's district and regional tournament.

Leading the way for the '09 Knights is a core of returning varsity seniors: outsides Ryan Kramer and Kevin Van Oss, middle Joe Krystofik and opposite Phil Zofkie. Joining the four seniors with a varsity letter from 2008 is sophomore Keaton Pieper who has picked up setting duties for the Knights.

New to the Alter volleyball varsity roster is senior libero Eugene Oswald, junior outside/opposite Alex Morrison, and junior middle Mark Kroger - all stepping up from last season's JV squad. Freshmen Chuck Eisenhauer, in the middle, and Nate Kinsella, at opposite and backup setter, round out the varsity squad along with sophomore opposite, Luke McCrate, and freshmen setter, Cameron Heyd, who are splitting time between JV and varsity.

The Knights wrap up regular season play this week with home matches on Thursday, May 14 vs Lakota West and Senior Night on Friday, May 15 vs Carroll - JV play begins at 6 pm, followed by the varsity matches. Tournament action for the Knights will begin next Wednesday, May 20 in a 5:30 pm match at Centerville High School against the winner of the Fenwick-Carroll first-round match. Regional finals will be held on Saturday, May 23 - time will either be at 10 am or later in the afternoon.

To take a look at this season's results so far, check our ONLINE SCHEDULE!