Press Release

JUNE 3, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: CHRISTINE FRANCIES, ASST. SID
260-481-0729

Bahlman and Simon Sign With The Mastodons

Fort Wayne, IN - IPFW Women's Volleyball Coach Kelley Hartley Hutton announced that the program signed two more during the late NCAA National Letter of Intent signing period. Christine Simon (Bowling Green, Ohio) and Ellyann Bahlman (Union City, Michigan) bring the incoming class to five freshmen for IPFW.

Bahlman is a 6-1 middle hitter from Coldwater High School in Coldwater, Michigan. She was a second-year team captain and helped Coldwater reach the State semi-final match after winning its district and regional championships. She was named All-Region her junior year and All-State her senior year. Bahlman is currently playing for Fort Wayne Volleyball Club which qualified for the Nationals and will head there later this month.

"Elly is strong and competitive - two wonderful qualities to bring to a team. After one year of training and being challenged in practice, I am certain her volleyball skills will catch up too," said Coach Hartley Hutton.

Simon, a 5-8 libero from Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, Ohio plays for Premier Volleyball Club and also played basketball. She served as co-captain for her high school team her senior year and was named Northern Lakes League Second Team and Ohio District Seven Honorable Mention.

"Our program values ball control and rewards it with playing time. Christine's ability in the back out will make her a contender for playing time as a defensive specialist or libero," said Coach Hartley Hutton.

The Mastodons finished the 2004 season with a 24-10 mark and return five starters and nine letter winners. IPFW opens the 2005 season at home with DePaul on August 27.

 

~Dons~