Jan. 14, 2008

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Lewis University men's volleyball coach Dan Friend has announced three early additions to his 2008-09 recruiting class.

Christopher Biscardi (Wading River, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River H.S.), Howard Petty (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove North H.S.) and Matt Fox (Orland Park, Ill./Carl Sandburg H.S.) have each committed to Lewis for the 2009 season.

Biscardi, 6-foot-8 middle hitter, earned four varsity letters in high school. The three-year captain was also a three year all county player. In 2007, he was voted one of the top 25 underclassmen by Volleyball Magazine. During his senior year, he recorded 385 kills in 16 matches with a match high of 41 kills. Off the court, Biscardi worked to reinstate the boy's volleyball program at his high school after the school board voted to eliminate the team before his senior season. Biscardi attended board meetings, gathered over 500 signatures on a petition and approached middle schools to increase support for the program. He also was a member of the honor roll and a National Merit Scholarship finalist. Biscardi played club volleyball with Long Island Volleyball. His team won the Empire State gold medal in 2007 and silver medal in 2006.

"I'm excited about what Chris brings to the table: size, power and he is very smart," Friend said. "He will be a great replacement for one of our All-Conference middles."

Petty, a 6-foot-5 outside hitter, earned three varsity letters in high school. He led his team to a regional championship his junior and sophomore seasons. Petty also recorded 300 kills and was named to the Richard's Tournament All-Tournament Team his junior season. In the classroom Petty has been named to the honor roll every semester. Petty played club volleyball with Lions 17s in 2006-07 and Sports Performance 18s in 2007-08.

"Jay is a excellent addition to the Flyer family," Friend said. "He is athletic, strong and will look to make an impact down the road for us."

Fox, a 6-foot-7 opposite hitter, has earned one varsity letter in high school. After his junior season Fox was named Star Newspapers All-Area, Daily Southtown All-Area Honorable Mention and SWSC All-Conference. Fox was second on the team in kills with 145 while also notching 55 blocks. He was also named to the honor roll every semester. Fox brings club experience with Chicago Volleyball.

"Fox is a terrific Chicago area pick up for us," Friend said. "He brings length, height and an impressive block presence on the right side."

The Flyers face Lees-McRae on Friday at 7 p.m. in Lewis' home opener. On Saturday No. 1 BYU makes their first ever visit to Neil Carey Arena at 7 p.m.