Completed Event: Women's Volleyball versus Villanova on October 17, 2025 , Loss , 1, to, 3
Women's Volleyball
vs Villanova
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Providence College Athletics
Volleyball Opens Season at James Madison Tournament
9/2/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 2, 1999
PROVIDENCE, RI - The 1999 volleyball squad opens the 1999 campaign this weekend at the James Madison Tournament in Harrisburg, Virginia. The Friars open with host James Madison then take on Tennessee and Illinois-Chicago. Providence returns four starters from a year ago including the top two power hitters and the top setter.
Senior and two-time captain Colleen Lee will look to cap off her excellent career in high style. A three-year starter, Lee has proven herself to be one of the best setters in the history of the program as well as one of the most consistent hitters. Not only is she an excellent athlete, she is one of the top students in her class. With a grade point average of near perfection, she is a candidate for Academic All-America honors as well as other classroom awards. Last season, the Tonawaona, New York athlete tallied more than 10 assists per game and also doubled as a hitter collecting 91 hits on 291 attempts. She led the team in service aces with 52 and was second best on the squad after chalking up 3.18 digs per game.
Two sophomores return to the starting lineup after sensational rookie campaigns. Sarah Katinger from Stratford, Connecticut earned a starting role from day one on the court and finished the season recording team highs in several categories. She led the team in kills (329), kills per game (3.29), total attempts (1051), hitting percent (.222) and digs (464). She is a strong athlete who will look to break some Friar records before graduating in 2002. Classmate Annie Cella of Burr Ridge, Illinois finished behind Katinger with 261 kills. The hitter recorded a season high of 27 kills a year ago against nationally ranked Notre Dame in late October. Both will be the strong force offensively for the Friars.
From Wooster, Ohio, junior Heidi Filippi has had two solid years for the Friars. An excellent athlete, Filippi is a tough player who will fight for a starting role. She tallied 200 kills as a sophomore while also recording 183 digs defensively. Junior Deb Bihday of Warwick, Rhode Island excels in the back row and is also a consistent server after recording 30 service aces a year ago.
Senior Brooke Chupaila is a middle blocker who has gained strength since transferring from Central Florida after her freshman season. She made a team high 59 blocks a year ago which included 19 solo stops. She also tallied 119 hits at the net.
Junior Samanthaa Lennon has two solid seasons behind her and will look to play more minutes during the 199 season.
Four freshmen will add depth to the lineup. Twins Sandy and Susan Fanning along with Daniella Miele and Donna Wilson will be the future of the Friar program.
The Friars will open the season with several invitationals including those at James Madison, Marquette, East Carolina and Central Connecticut. BIG EAST action opens October 2 versus the University of Connecticut.
Providence vs. Butler
Saturday, November 08
Providence vs. Xavier
Friday, November 07
Providence vs. Creighton
Friday, October 24
Providence vs. Georgetown
Saturday, October 18
