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Press Releases | |
February 6, 2001
Men's Volleyball Team Brushes Off Bad YearContact:
Jane Finalborgo
Darren Johnson
(631) 287 8313
Fax: (631) 283 4081Talented Returnees and Rookies Gel for 2001; Start 3-2, 2-0
Southampton, NY -With a solid core of proven players returning, the Southampton College men's volleyball team expects to rebound after a disappointing 5-22 record last year. Historically one of Southampton's top programs - winning five titles in the 1990s - the Colonials match up well in their new division with league foes such as Vassar, NYU and Harvard.
Aided by a major NCAA rule change, the Colonials have started the 2001 campaign winning. So far they are 3-2, 2-0 in the Hay Division of the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association and are home to face Queens tomorrow at 7 p.m. and Harvard Saturday at noon.
The biggest change for the team is the addition of a new coaching staff. Head coach Ray MacLean, who led the Southampton College women's team to a winning league record last fall, joins assistant coach and former Colonial standout Chris Kies on the sidelines. Both coaches seem grateful to have inherited a team with such ability.
"We have seven or eight guys with the potential to be named all-conference," MacLean said. "I'm also seeing great things from the rookies."
Joining captains Ben Hill (164 kills in 2000) and John Lenihan (149 digs) are returnees Joe Daigler and Scott Schult (201 kills) and 6-foot-6 freshman prospect TJ Triola. Also new will be a major NCAA rule change: Sets will use non-stop rally scoring to 30 points instead of the tradition 15. "Our players have the physical talent to adapt well to the new style of play," MacLean said. "They also are developing the poise it takes to win close matches."