Aug. 20, 2001

With a tradition of success unmatched by any team in the conference and few in the region, the Siena volleyball team anxiously awaits the 2001 campaign. The goal will be the same as it has been for the past decade--reach the conference tournament (a feat the Saints have accomplished an unprecedented nine consecutive years) and win the coveted MAAC Championship. To do so will be no easy task, as the conference is as strong as ever, and favorite Fairfield has had the Saints' number the past three seasons. Regardless, Head Coach Ron Racey has reason to be confident as 12 letterwinners return, and a decorated incoming class of full-scholarship athletes figure to make an immediate impact.

"The addition of the full scholarships has given us the opportunity to go out and recruit the top student-athletes in the country," Racey declared. "We should start to see that talent develop on the court this fall."

The Components

Much of Racey's confidence stems from the return of senior setter Sarah Watkins. Watkins, who has emerged as one of the top setters in the MAAC, will lead the Siena attack by example and with leadership. "We will count on Sarah to control the flow of the game and dictate tempo," said Racey. "When she is at the top of her game, so are we." Freshman Abbie Maciolek will likely serve as apprentice to Watkins this season, though the staff is confident she is capable to step in and continue on the College's tradition of quality setters.

Classmates Kelly Megyesi and Allison McCourt bring their four-years of experience to the Siena backrow, and each figures to see significant time at defensive specialist. Megyesi, who battled her way on to the team as a walk-on, has become one of the most dependable and consistent Saints. McCourt has improved tremendously over her undergraduate years and figures to take on a more involved role this season. The tandem also represents the Saints' top serving threats. Junior Kerrie McHugh will be looked upon for increased contribution in the backrow after showing marked improvement in the spring. Sophomore Amanda Carrk adds much needed depth to the defensive specialist position.

Senior Caroline Werdelin and sophomore Lauren Weber headline a young but talented corps of outside hitters for the Green and Gold. Werdelin, a native of Sweden, played in all 29 matches a year ago, placing in the top-5 in nearly every statistical category. Weber possesses the most athletic ability on the team and continuously sacrifices her body for the good of the team. After playing in all but two matches a year ago, she will likely be called upon to fill the void left by the graduation. Classmates Katie Sarkovics and Kerry Pease also saw quality playing time as freshmen and each will battle for starting spots this fall. Sarkovics was third on the team in hitting percentage a year ago, while Pease adds athleticism and dependability to Racey's rotation. The secret to the Saints' outside improvement may reside in the 5-6 frame of rookie Diana Wierzba. Wierzba was recognized as New York State's Player of the Year after leading her High School to the State Championships in 2000. She has continuously defied the odds by consistently hitting over players much taller, and the coaching staff expects immediate contributions. Junior Marissa Gregg has improved in each of the past two seasons and figures to be worked into the offensive rotation as well. Gregg has perhaps the best arm action on the team.

The Saints are also very deep in the middle, as junior Jen Corkum returns as the likely starter and a pair of talented newcomers figure to add skill and depth. Corkum, who finished second in kills a year ago, has the ability to dominate a game. Freshmen Julie Mazza and Leah Mizgalski will see plenty of time as well. Mazza, a local product, is an imposing force at 6-3 and is loaded with potential. Mizgalski figures to be the most ready of the duo when the season begins after playing her club volleyball with one of the top teams in the East, Pittsburgh Elite.

Schedule The road does not get any easier this season as the Saints undertake their most difficult schedule ever. The season opens with a trio of challenging Tournaments beginning with the highly competitive Colgate Classic in Hamilton, N.Y. The field spans the country, with the University of California at Riverside the first opponent of the season just two hours before the Saints match-up with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The highlight of the non-conference slate is a mid-September trip to Denver, Colo., where the Saints will partake in the University of Denver Tournament and enjoy the Rocky Mountain State.

When all is said and done, Siena should be prepared for the conference schedule beginning against Marist at home on October 3. Fairfield, St. Peter's and Manhattan figure to offer the stiffest competition as the three have accompanied the Saints in the four-team championship the last two seasons. Four Big East foes accent the remainder of out of conference play as Syracuse and Villanova come to town and the Saints travel to St. John's and Seton Hall. The MAAC Championships again return to Loudonville in mid-November, providing the climax to the 28-date schedule.

"We welcome the challenge of playing the best teams in the country, realizing we can only get better by playing against the best," Racey said. "With practice and hardwork, this team can compete with anyone on our schedule on any given night."