Women’s Volleyball Chosen 2nd in NECC Pre-Season Poll
BENNINGTON, Vt.- The Southern Vermont College Women's Volleyball team was chosen to finish second in the New England Collegiate Conference in 2011. The pre-season poll was released today, August 30, 2011 by the conference office. Reigning regular season champion Daniel Webster College was picked to win the NECC again in 2011, earning four first place votes and 72 total points. SVC earned three first place votes to total 69 points. Points were configured by first place votes received nine points, second place votes earned eight points and so forth down to one point for a ninth place vote. Lesley University was chosen third, followed by Newbury and Regis to round out the top five. Elms, Mitchell, Bay Path and Becker completed the poll.
In 2010 the Women's Volleyball team saw a major turnaround. The team made a 13 win difference in head coach Josh Stokes first season. Stokes' squad finished the season with a 14-9 record, program best, and an appearance in the NECC semi-final.
Stokes looks to bring the Women's Volleyball program to another level again in 2011. The team returns key players Joanna Hogue and Hershey Canta, both 1st Team All NECC selections a year ago. Hogue also garnered NECC Defensive Specialist of the Year honors in her first season at SVC. The 2011 team also adds 11 players to this year's roster, nine from California.
"It's great having experienced, talented players join our current group. They add depth and control to our program." said Stokes about his 2011 squad.
SVC opens their season Thursday September 1st at the Mountaineer Athletic Center (MAC) against Castleton St. at 3:00PM. The Mountaineers will also play the nightcap against MCLA at 7:00PM. The Mountaineers will open conference play on October 4th at Becker College.
Setters:
Canta who set a single season assists record in 2010 with 548 will be a major asset to the Mountaineers attack this season. Roxy Domines will also set for SVC in 2011, along with Allecia Ahearn. Domines a junior college transfer from Glendale Community College was named to the conference Honorable Mention team the previous two seasons. Ahearn a true freshman was her high school MVP at Bayport-Blue Point HS on Long Island.
"Both Canta and Domines played together already, so chemistry will not be an issue. Their experience should transition into Allecia who is developing quickly", Stokes claimed about the 2011 setters.
DS/ Libero:
As the conference's top defensive player, Hogue will return to her position as a senior captain for the Mountaineers. Hogue is SVC's career leader and single season leader in digs with 383. Joanna will have plenty of depth along side of her with Vivian Delgado, Vanessa Ruelas, and Alex Sinicropi playing defensive specialist and libero as well. Alyssa Young will also compete for time as a DS.
"Without ball control, we have no chance for success. Hogue is a true leader and her guidance will help the rest of the crew challenge themselves at every moment."
Outside Hitters:
In 2011 one of the major improvements the Women's Volleyball team has made is the depth of their outside hitters. "We add five experienced outside hitters." claimed Stokes.
Jessica Alvarez joins SVC from Glendale CC in California where she was 1st Team All League and team MVP. Domines also will be a force for the Mountaineers as an outside. Alicia Manzo earned 2nd Team All Conference at Fresno City College, while Nathalie Ruelas and Marissa Flores will also be key to the Mountaineers attack game.
Middles:
The other major improvement to the Women's Volleyball program, and arguably the most important, is the addition of two middles: Danielle Healis and Cindyline Sevilla. Healis a 6'1 middle will be a major force for SVC in the 2011 campaign.
Returnees, Tasha Smith and Rita Hall will also be important to the Mountaineers success in the middle of the court.
"I look forward to the many different options available when it comes to our offense. Most importantly I look forward to seeing this group in action on the court. There is a high level of maturity and work ethic that you can not coach athletes in to. SVC Volleyball has evolved and we are ready to get the season started" said Stokes.
