(Posted June 2, 2008)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Juniata College women's volleyball Head Coach Larry Bock has announced that two transfer students have committed to attend Juniata College and compete for the Eagle women's volleyball program beginning with the 2008 season.

Twin sisters Amanda Gerlach (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos de Niza HS) and Allison Gerlach (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos de Niza HS) will be transferring to Juniata from the University of St. Thomas (Minn.). They will have sophomore academic standing at Juniata College, with freshman athletic eligibility.

Amanda was a three-year starter and All-Region performer at Marcos de Niza HS, while Allison was a two-year starter for the Padres; together, they helped lead Marcos de Niza to a third place finish in the 2006 Arizona state tournament. They enjoyed distinguished club careers with the Team Arizona volleyball club, coached by former Penn State men's volleyball standout Scott Miller.

Both Amanda and Allison received All-Region honors in softball at Marcos de Niza, while Allison was an All-State selection. They were members of the National Honor Society in high school, and were Dean's List students at St. Thomas. They are the daughters of Doug and Susan Gerlach.

"Amanda is an amazing, smart athlete who knows how to run a fast-paced offense. She's been coached by Scott Miller, so she's going to be really well prepared," said Bock. "Allison has a terrific background with her experience at Marcos de Niza and Team Arizona. Her platform skills and serving ability were a big reason her teams have all been successful."

Amanda and Allison will be competing for one of the storied volleyball programs in NCAA women's volleyball.

Eagle coach Larry Bock has a career record of 1,147-177 in 31 seasons at Juniata College, and he has the most wins of any collegiate women's volleyball coach in any division. With Bock at the helm, Juniata has won two National Championships (2004 and 2006) and made 27 straight NCAA Tournament appearances. They have reached the national semifinals 22 times. Juniata has had 33 players earn All-America honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), the most of any team in NCAA women's volleyball.

Juniata posted a 37-5 record last season, ranked fourth in the final AVCA Division III poll, and reached the national semifinals of the 2007 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.