Completed Event: Women's Volleyball versus Villanova on October 17, 2025 , Loss , 1, to, 3
Women's Volleyball
vs Villanova
Final
1
-
3
Providence College Athletics
Volleyball Set To Open Season
9/1/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 1, 2004
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College volleyball team kicks off the 2004 campaign as it travels to the University of Texas-Pan American this weekend. The Friars are slated for two matches on Friday followed by a pair on Saturday.
Following its trip to the Lone Star state, Providence opens the home season by hosting Holy Cross on Tuesday, September 7, at 7:00 p.m. in Alumni Gym.
The Providence College volleyball team introduces three newcomers to complement its six returning players, while the team bids good-bye to two graduating seniors and one underclassman. The Friars will rely on their upperclassmen to lead a squad seeking a new identity as the team commences play in its second season as a Division I independent school in 2004. Head coach Margot Royer returns for her fifth season at the helm of the Friars program. Despite last season's record of 3-24, she continues to craft a team that will be competitive as an independent. With senior leadership, experienced players at all positions on the court, and incoming recruits able to step into the lineup upon arrival at Providence, Royer's squad could help to recapture the strong tradition of excellence that previous Friar volleyball teams have enjoyed. Three seniors, two juniors, one sophomore and three scholastic standouts will form the core of the Friars as they embark on the 27th season of Friar volleyball. The Friars will again be led by senior middle blocker and captain Ayana Cadres (Los Angeles, Calif.). One of the program's most outstanding players in her three years with the team, Cadres provided the offensive firepower last season with her team-leading 3.48 kills per game . She offers a strong net presence, evidenced by her squad-best 16 block solos and 37 block assists. Cadres again was the only member of the team to record double-digits in both block categories. "Ayana is the most experienced player and the anchor of our team," Royer said. "The opposing teams will key off of Ayana defensively as she is a very powerful offensive force." Senior Jennifer Backes (Seaford, N.Y.), like Cadres, played in all of the team's 87 games last season at the libero and defensive specialist positions. She finished second on the team in digs per game (1.67) and third in service aces (28). "Jenn is our most experienced defensive player," Royer commented. "We will expect her to step up her defensive game this year as the libero." Classmate Gayle Malachowski (Warwick, R.I.), a key outside hitter, saw limited action in a reserve capacity last season as she overcame an injury. Malachowski played in 12 games and recorded two kills, one service ace and three block assists. "I look for Gayle to step up her offensive skills as we will need her in a bigger role than she has ever played for us," Royer added. Juniors Allison Baker (Glastonbury, Conn.) and Annie Fiorvanti (Northport, N.Y.), will hold important roles for the Friars in 2004 as well. Baker, a skilled outside hitter who transferred from Connecticut prior to last season, stepped into the lineup and proved her versatility immediately. She appeared in 71 games and, offensively, finished third on the squad in kills, averaging 2.42 kills per game. Defensively, she contributed mightily and finished second in digs, with 2.23 per game. This season, she will move from outside hitter to middle blocker. "Because she will be making the position transition, Allison's offense will come second," Royer said. "We are just really excited to have the block that she is able to put up in her new position." Fiorvanti assimilated to the full-time setter role in 2003 and recorded 753 assists (8.66/game). She will continue to lead the offense in the same role for the 2004 campaign. "Annie worked very well with Ayana in the spring season, which is huge for us," Royer stated. Sophomore Kerry Schulz (Fairfield, Conn.), the lone freshman starter from 2003, saw action in 83 games last season. She returns 1.95 kills per game and a powerful serve, which earned her 34 service aces, to the Friar offense. Schulz also averaged 1.41 digs per game, good for third on the 2003 team. Royer notes that, "Kerry has great upper body strength and her swing is very deceiving to opposing defenses." The Friars welcome three newcomers to the team for the 2004 campaign. Kasey Adinolfi (Branford, Conn.) could see time as a reserve at the setter and libero positions. Sarah Fleming (St. Paul, Minn.) will play on the right side, and could be inserted into the lineup immediately. Whitney Hassett (East Greenwich, R.I.) also could see playing time in her first few matches, but as an outside hitter. Also included on the squad list this year are two freshman and a sophomore who primarily will be practice players. Sophomore Katie O'Shea is a setter from Mineola, N.Y. She is the most experienced of the four. She leads sophomores Rebecca Morgan (Centerville, Mass.), Monica Clearkin (Maple Glen, Pa.) and freshman Dorothy LoGiodice (Narragansett, R.I.) in their first season with the Friars. Participation in four tournaments, including the first Providence College Friar Tournament, five home matches and seven away matches comprise the Friar schedule in 2004.
Providence vs. Butler
Saturday, November 08
Providence vs. Xavier
Friday, November 07
Providence vs. Creighton
Friday, October 24
Providence vs. Georgetown
Saturday, October 18
