Providence College Athletics
Volleyball Prepared for 1998 Campaign
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | General
September 2, 1998
PROVIDENCE, RI - In his second season at the helm, head coach Ken Nichols returns eight letterwinners from last season's 21-14 squad. Nichols was named head coach in June, 1998 after being interim head coach throughout the 1997 campaign. Senior tri-captain Sherryl Jones is the proven leader on the court after seeing three-years of starting action. A two-time captain for the Friars, Jones is an All-BIG EAST candidate after being a leader on the squad in kills, digs and blocks a year ago. On the net, the two-sport athlete tallied 403 kills while making 47 blocks. She recorded 452 digs as she played and started every match last season. In the winter, Jones excels on the ice for the hockey squad. Senior middle blocker Melissa Crotty recorded 123 kills as a junior and was second in blocks with 69. A big season is expected from Crotty after being sidelined much during her career with injuries. A leader on and off the court, Crotty will be an assistant captain for the Friars. Assisting Crotty at middle blocker is junior Brooke Chupaila. At 6-3, Chupaila contributed nicely last season recording 52 kills in 87 games played. A talented athlete, she fit in well a year ago after transferring from Central Florida.
Sophomore Samanthaa Lennon (Montclair, NJ) will add strength and power to the middle. A raw athlete with unlimited potential, Lennon will see more action as she grows into her role on the court. She saw limited action a year ago. Junior rightside hitter Rachel Doxtater sat out most of her sophomore season with an injured back. She is expected back in the lineup in mid-October. Doxtater had a fantastic freshman season and would be a huge asset to the 1998 squad. A vocal leader on the court, Doxtater is an excellent all-around performer and a tireless worker. Sophomore Heidi Filippi earned starting duty midway through her rookie season. A BIG EAST Rookie of the Week last season, Filippi has recorded some impressive weekend matches. Fourth on the squad in kills, she is a powerful hitter who should look for post-season honors. Sophomore Lauren Cerull earned a starting role midway through last season before being sidelined with a severe ankle sprain. Cerull saw action in 25 matches while recording 56 kills and 119 digs. She also recorded 16 service aces for the Friars. Junior setter and tri-captain Colleen Lee has two excellent seasons behind her. A setter and outside hitter for the Friars, Lee has contributed in various ways for the Friars. An aggressive and tough athlete, Lee took over starting duties midway through her freshman season. She has recorded over 1,400 assists in two seasons and last season contributed with 220 kills, which was third on the team. She should look toward post-season honors. Sophomore Deb Bihday (Warwick, RI) saw limited action as a freshman, but could contribute more this season. A setter and outside hitter, Bihday played in 20 matches last season. Junior Kristen Gallagher will add depth to the team as a defensive specialist. Gallagher sat out her sophomore season after seeing limited action as a freshman.
Three freshmen will earn time on the court this season with the veterans. Rookie Annie Cella is a 5-9, outside hitter from Burr Ridge, Illinois. In high school, she was an All-State pick and a two-time team MVP. Also at outside hitter is rookie Sarah Katinger. A native of Stratford, Conn., Katinger was chosen All-State for three consecutive years and was a two-time League MVP. She should help the Friar attack immediately. Middle hitter Elizabeth Gianusso is a 5-10 freshman who tallied more than 250 kills as a senior at Bellingham High.
Prior to BIG EAST action, the Lady Friars will travel to five Invitationals including the South Florida Invitational, the Northern Arizona Tournament, Manhattan Invite and the Dartmouth Invitational, which they have won for two consecutive seasons. The BIG EAST Championship will be held at the University of Pittsburgh on November 21-22, 1998 with the top six teams in the league competing for the title.
