News
Volleyball 2007-2008 Season in Review
Date Posted: Monday, October 29, 2007
Posting Categories: Athletics News;Volleyball
The Simmons College volleyball team closed out the first season under first year head coach Jason Conetta with an 8-14 record, and a 4-9 mark in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.
The Sharks were young and inexperienced, and the first half of the season went as Conetta planned with a bit of an adjustment period, but they ended the month with a 5-5 record, including a big win over Eastern Nazarene. The Sharks were down 2-0 in the match but rallied to win the final three games to take a 3-2 decision.
They also beat Becker in five games this season in that opening month.
The second half of the season was a struggle, as the Sharks fell into a bit of a losing streak, that kept them out of the GNAC tournament.
Leading the way this season were junior captains Candyce Arena, and Jessica Hambleton. Both were go-to players for the Sharks this season, and were excellent leaders on the floor.
The Sharks had two solid seniors in Alicia Liao, and Melissa Rousselle, both of whom provided strong leadership and play throughout their time at Simmons.
A pair of freshmen who saw plenty of action were Dalia Cohen and Nicky Loring. Cohen will be a sophomore captain next season and was a solid setter. Loring was near the top of the team list in kills and aces for most of the season. A third freshman, Taylor Pederson, proved to be an excellent middle blocker, and led the team in blocks this season.
Next season the Sharks return all but two starters and look to improve on this year's campaign and get back into the GNAC tournament. The close losses from this year will hopefully become close wins as this team has a year of experience under its belt.
"I am pleased as to the way the season ended and excited about next season. The seniors paved the way for the '08 Sharks and showed them what it will take to become champions.," Conetta said. "Everybody is excited for next season, fans players, parents, and especially me."
