May 19, 2005

COLUMBIA, S.C. –
South Carolina head volleyball coach Nancy Somera recently announced the commitments of three high school players. Petra Lorenzi of Crescent City, Calif., Dinelia Concepcion of Deltona, Fla. and Carolyn Rivers of Pickens, S.C. have agreed to play for the Gamecocks this fall.

Lorenzi is a setter from Del Norte H.S. in Crescent City, Calif. A three sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and softball, Lorenzi is a two-time league MVP in volleyball and has helped lead her team to four league championships. A volleyball team captain for two years, Lorenzi was also awarded the CIF-NCS scholastic scholar athlete award for four years.

“Petra has the combination of athleticism and competitiveness that every coach loves to see in one of their players,” said Somera. “She is strong and quick and gets to everything, whether she is setting or playing defense, simply because she hates for the ball to beat her. That kind of spirit becomes contagious on a team and helps elevate the intensity on our side of the court.”

Concepcion is a defensive specialist from Pine Ridge H.S. in Deltona, Fla. Concepcion was named second team Orlando Sentinel All-Central Florida Volleyball Team in 2003 and was a two-time all-conference selection. Concepcion chose USC over Florida and Florida State.

“Dinelia has a good ball control foundation to train on in the college game,” said Somera. “With the new changes in the substitution rule, there will be a lot of opportunities for her to contribute to the team during her freshman year.”

Rivers is a native of South Carolina as she hails from Pickens. A 2004 team co-captain, Rivers helped lead her team to the SC AAA State Championships for three years, and was named to the SC North/South All-Star Tournament of Champions all-tournament team. Named to Prepvolleyball.com’s 2004 national list of best high school defensive players, Rivers is the 2005 Valedictorian at Pickens H.S. Rivers chose South Carolina over Texas A&M, Auburn, Georgia, Penn State, Tennessee and Clemson.

“Both Dinelia and Carolyn will compete at the libero position,” said Somera. “Carolyn has great motor skills and a lot of energy. She has quick movement on the court and that can be very beneficial.”

The Gamecock volleyball team is currently on summer break but will return in early August for preseason training.