2015 Season Preview: Women's Volleyball
(Nashua, N.H.) Back to back Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) championships in 2013 and 2014 have put a potential 3-peat on the radar for the 2015 Raiders. It won't be easy however as RIV will have their hands full with plenty of conference foes looking to take a shot at the title. Rivier returns all starters from last year's 28-win squad so experience will be on their side as they work towards a potential history making season. RIV will be challenged by some tough out-of-conference and out-of-region competition early in the season hopefully preparing the Raiders for battle against some very determined GNAC teams.
RETURNING STUDENT-ATHLETES
Leading the way will be 3 talented seniors for Rivier. 2014 All GNAC 1st Team member and the GNAC Tournament MVP, Emily O'Reilly (5'8, S, San Francisco, CA), along with fellow classmates Jackie Pisecco (5'9, OH, Chelmsford, MA) and Lyndsey Sweeney (5'5, L/DS, Coventry, RI) will once again provide needed leadership while being the foundation of this year's team. O'Reilly, who reached the 3,000 assist milestone in just her junior year, will be in control of Rivier's offense and should add poise to the attack with excellent decision making and accuracy.
Pisecco will bring stability and power to the outside hitter position and will also bring experience and leadership to the court for RIV. She could see some time in the opposite hitter position too. Sweeney last season was one of the Raiders' best passers, defenders, and servers and will be needed to be just that again this season. Like Pisecco, Sweeney will be relied upon for her experience and leadership skills.
Molly McCormack (5'7, OH, Ballston Lake, NY), who in 2014 became the 1st Raider in program history to record 300 kills and 300 digs in a season will be looked upon to do a little bit of everything for RIV. The 2-time All GNAC 1st Team member and 2014 GNAC All-Tournament Team selection will bring her well rounded combination of ball control in the back row and solid offense at the net to the court for RIV. Dana Mott (5'9, MH, Medway, MA) took the GNAC by storm last season with 315 kills and a .353 hitting percentage, both 2nd best in the GNAC, and will be relied upon to be as good if not better this season. Look for the All GNAC 1st Teamer and All GNAC Tournament Team member to reach for the next level of her game.
Lauren Silverman (5'11, MH, Chelmsford, MA), will continue to push to be one of the most dominant front row players in the GNAC. In 2014, Silverman led the GNAC in hitting percentage and was also Rivier's best blocker so look for the athletic middle to continue at that level this season. Chelsey Hussey (5'10, OH, Lebanon, CT), the Raiders two-time All Sportsmanship Team member and overall team leader will continue to elevate her game from both the right and left side of the court. Look for the junior to make a big impact this season.
Bethany Trevino (5'3, L/DS, Westminster, CO) made history in her rookie campaign by being the 1st Raider to be named the GNAC Defensive Player of the Year in her first season. The All GNAC 1st Team member will continue to be the foundation of the Raiders' receive and defense. Madison Soucy (5'6, L/DS, Tolland, CT) had a solid first season in 2014 as a defensive specialist and will continue to add scrap and hustle this season. An improved Soucy will lock down a rock solid defense and receive for RIV.
Alex Trevains (5'10, MH, Litchfield, NH) and Erin Rosa (5'10, MH, Cumberland, RI) both made tremendous strides in the first season as middle hitters so look for both to elevate their game this year and be difference makers off the bench.
INCOMING STUDENT-ATHLETES
Three new comers will bring added depth and skill to all positions and all have the ability to see significant minutes on the floor for the Blue and Grey. Hayley Macken (5'8, S, Clifton Park, NY) was the Suburban Council MVP and an All State Second Team member in New York and will bring those skills to the Raiders to give Rivier a solid 1-2 setter combination. Expect to see leadership and poise from this newcomer. New Hampshire 1st Team All State member, Kuuipo Hoover (5'4, S/L, Dover, NH), reached 500 digs in a brilliant high school career and has the ability to be a game changer with her quickness and skill in the back row. Taylor White (5'6, OH, Dunstable, MA) adds another player to the squad with good ball control and offensive skill. The outside hitter from Dunstable Mass. was a 3 year All Star and team leader for her school.
