2003 SEASON PREVIEW

Ed Paquette, returning for his fourth year as Head Coach of the MCLA Women’s Volleyball team, is very optimistic about their prospects for a successful season.  Even though four starters from last year have graduated, there remains quite a bit of experience in the returning players.  Combined with talented recruits the team should be much quicker on both offense and defense.  “ This year, for the first time since the new rule change, we will be able to take advantage of the Libero position to strengthen our back court while substituting power hitters at the net.” 

Liz Kravetz from West Nyack, NY will lead the team as Senior Captain.  Her attention to  detail with her technique has helped her amass impressive stats and has earned MASCAC honors for her in the form of Player of the Week and All Tournament team.  Her persistent involvement in team and Athletic Department activities lends credibility to her leadership role, and will serve the team well as role model for the in-coming Freshmen.

Also assuming a leadership role this year is Junior Captain Jessica Catalano.  Jessica, a Pittsfield resident, represents Berkshire County volleyball at the college.  She participates in the highest level of play in the Berkshire Co-ed League during the off-season.  Jessica has responded well in learning to play the difficult front middle position, and will be an asset in helping to train players that were recruited to fill that position.  If all goes well, she may be shifted to the glory position of power hitter to add to the team’s ability to put the ball away with intimidation.

Joining Jessica on the front line is Junior Regina Diemand of Northhampton, MA.  Although Reggie, as her teammates call her, is fairly new to volleyball, her athletic ability and work ethic add strength and depth to the team.

Another returning Junior is Tracy Hall of Charlemont, MA  Tracy has been a service specialist her first two years and is expected to lead the team in aces and keep the momentum going during crucial times in a match.

Sophomore Laura Ranieri of Syracuse, NY will continue to lead the team defensively and is expected to score many points with her well placed top spin serves.  Her dedication to conditioning will be a key to helping the team achieve its goal of quicker play. 

Also from the Sophomore class, Krystal Grow, who was recruited last year but decided to concentrate on academics and did not play, will be adding her talent to an already skillful team.

A very talented group of Freshmen will be rounding out this year’s roster.   All of them not only had impressive High School careers, but also participated in Junior Olympic and Club programs.  The new players are Ashley Green of Plymouth MA, Danielle Smith of Valatia NY, Lauren Kelly of Marston Mills MA, Lindsey Swords of Westfield MA, and Caroline Smith of Tauton MA.

Returning as Assistant Coach is Greg Duval from Pownal VT.  Greg brings a commanding knowledge of the game through his years as Head Coach of the then North Adams State College, and as Assistant Coach at Williams College.  

2003 SCHEDULE

2003 ROSTER

2003 FINAL STATS