Boston, MA. – The Women's Volleyball team is coming off a strong first year as a varsity sport, as they finished the 2017 campaign with a winning record of 10-8. The team will have new leadership this year as the team welcomes a new coaching staff; William Lau and Kianna Morano, both in their first year in collegiate coaching. Losing only two seniors and welcoming a strong freshmen class, Coach Lau is excited for the start of the season this Thursday. "We have really high hopes for a winning season. Preseason has brought a lot of tremendous effort and great play from the team so far. The communication and chemistry will continue to develop with the freshmen, and we are looking forward to our first test," says Coach Lau.
The Falcons leadership will come from the lone senior captain, Natie Manalo (San Francisco, CA). Natie is the team's libero and led the 2017 team in digs (360), service aces (52) all while only committing 21 errors. Natie will be the communicator that the team needs to win this season.
Sophomores are led by returners, Lia Aime (Las Pierdas, Puerto Rico), Periya Yath (Amherst, MA), and Hermione Marcellus (Avon, MA). Lia is an outside hitter who was second on the team last year in kills (88), and according to Coach Lau is one of the stronger serves on the squad. Periya is a middle hitter, who Coach Lau considers a defensive force at the net. She was also 3rd on the team in kills last year with 54, so hopes to increase in those numbers. Hermione is a defensive specialist who will look to help the team with her strong passing skill. To round out the sophomore class is newcomer Maura Lammers (Augusta, GA). She looks to bring some height and great energy to the court.
The Freshmen Falcons are a strong three that Coach Lau is excited to have part of the team. Yeryvel Catala (Gurabo, Puerto Rico) is an outside hitter who is looking to bring some power to the front of the net and strong passing. Abigail Saucedo (Woodland Hills, CA) has stepped for the team and has become their go-to setter. It is a new position for her but she is eager and excited to learn to be able to help out the team. Lastly, Chyna Carter (Avondale, AZ), an opposite hitter, who is the biggest threat on the net, both offensively and defensively.
Women's Volleyballl open their 2018 season on the road against the Dean Bulldogs on Thursday, Sept 6th at 7pm. They will return home for their opener on Thursday, September 13th as they take on the Lesley Lynx at 7pm.