Story written and posted by Anthony Perry '08, Fisher College Assistant Athletic Director/Sports Information
BOSTON, MASS. – The Falcons, after a two-year layoff due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, finally return to the court this fall looking to build upon a successful start to the young program. The small squad comprised of just one senior, five juniors, and three freshman will navigate a tough 20+ game season with the goal of getting to the Continental Athletic Conference tournament in November.
Senior Lia Aime (Las Piedras, Puerto Rico) will lead the Falcons this season as the team's primary libero/defensive specialist. Expect to see this student-athlete control the backline with her stellar ball control after collecting 244 digs in 2019. Junior Natalia Ortiz (Humacao, Puerto Rico) will provide help on the offensive side of the ball as the hardworking opposite hitter looks to improve her game in her first season of game action for the Falcons.
The transfer trio from California will provide the most dynamic impact on the 2021 season. All three student-athletes arrived in Boston after standout careers at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. Junior Macy Barnes (Duart, Calif.) is an impact outside hitter with a powerful offensive and will be counted on to bring the energy all season long. Junior Aya Al-Juraishi (Walnut, Calif.) will add a good counter to Barnes in the middle hitter position with her solid block. Classmate Ashly Velazquez (Downey, Calif.) will direct the Falcon offense as she makes the transition to the setter role this fall.
Junior Nathalie Rodriguez Cruz (Guarbo, Puerto Rico) joined the flock last fall after spending her freshman year at Valley Forge Military Academy. The 5-6 outside hitter provides depth and experience at the position and will look to have a standout season in the blue and white.
This fall will be the first taste of collegiate volleyball for three true freshman on the Falcon roster. Edsyl Irrizary (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) is a libero/defensive specialist that will play and learn alongside the veteran Aime as she gains experience on the floor and on the backline. Paola Velazquez (Caguas, Puerto Rico) gives the Falcons some depth at the setter position as well as another outside hitter. Her versatility and ability to pass, set, and play defense will be a tremendous asset for the program all season long. Rounding out the incoming freshman trio is Lilliana Figueroa (Fajardo, Puerto Rico), a talented middle hitter who has the determination to make an immediate impact for the Falcons.
The Fisher Women's Volleyball program will open up their 2021 season tomorrow evening with a trip north to Vermont for a contest at Northern Vermont University-Lyndon. Game time is set for 5pm with live stats and video provided by NVU-Lyndon.