By Aaron Weitzman / Staff writer

Twelve minus five equals seven. Though there are a lot of numbers associated with sports, that equation best represents the Pitt-Greensburg women’s volleyball team.

The team currently has five injured players, four of whom were starters.

Senior Beth Woods recently sprained her ankle and hopes to be back by the end of the week. Junior outside hitter Alyson Kohler had surgery prior to the season and is slated to return by the end of September. Sophomore Kylynn Smith hurt her ankle and will be back in three weeks at the earliest but might be done for the season.

Two other players suffered injuries before the season started. They received medical red-shirts and are out for the season.

Coach Leroy Simms is not only worried about this year, but the years to come. With only 10 people — two of whom are seniors — on the roster, he said the team will need an infusion of players next year.

“For this program to continue to grow and head in the right direction, I’m going to need a big recruiting class for next year. I will have to recruit harder and longer than I ever had to before,” Simms said.

Simms predicts he will have to bring in at least seven players next year. While thinking about the years to come, Simms said he still has a good team this year and is excited about it.

“Our goals would be to finish in the top four in the regular season and to advance to the second round of the playoffs,” he said of the 3-5 team. “Of course, the girls have loftier goals.”

Kohler, who has two years experience and is one of the leaders of the team, has high hopes for the team’s success this year.

“I think one of the main team goals we have this year is to make it to the AMCC championships so we can get a banner for the volleyball team in the gym. Plus, we’ve never made it past the first round of playoffs, so it’s definitely a priority to do that first,” Kohler said.

Simms said it will be tough, especially right now as the next couple of games are against division II teams, but really likes his group of girls.

“When we get healthy, it’s one of the best teams, talent-wise, I have had,” said Simms.

The team’s next match is at Seton Hill University tonight (Wednesday) at 7 p.m. It’s first home game is against Penn State Fayette on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.