It's the start of a new season for the volleyball team as the Explorers move into their dorms and hold their first preseason practice on Thursday evening.
With the graduation of just two members of the 2010 team, the Blue and Gold return a core group of players, including four seniors, and should see increased success this year.
The Explorers will open their season, as they have for the past several years, by hosting the La Salle Invitational at Tom Gola Arena on August 26-27. Canisius, Morgan State, St. Peter's and Towson will participate in the tournament.
“I'm optimistic for this season,” head coach Dave Stever said. “We return a lot of experienced players. They had the opportunity to work together on the court last year and they'll build upon the chemistry they had last season.”
Kourtney Clark, who is in the top 10 all-time in career assists at La Salle, returns for her senior season to anchor the setter position.
Stever expects senior Jacquelyn Mitrovich, one of the team's top hitters and blockers in 2010, to again be a force on the court.
Senior Alex Kennedy, who spent the beginning part of last season sidelined with an injury, returns healthy at the start of preseason and should make a bigger impact on the court this season. The final senior, Alexis Little, brings valuable experience and a drive to compete.
Hitters Kelly Scanlon, Samantha Tulskie, Emily Mettick and Rachel Finkbeiner are all expected to see time in the starting rotation this season.
Breanna Mazalewski, who ended the season in the top 10 in the Atlantic 10 in digs, will be the team's defensive specialist again this season.
The team welcomes three freshmen – setter Rachel Melich and middle hitters Jennifer Whalen and Anna Atiyeh. Melich will begin the season on the sidelines with an injury, but should be able to return to the court in mid-September and work with Clark as a setter.
The Explorers will spend two weeks practicing twice a day and spending time on their conditioning before opening their season against St. Peter's at Noon on August 26.
