By Christopher McLaughlin

With great leadership and a great work ethic, the CCSU volleyball team comes into this year with high expectations.

Picked third in the preseason Northeast Conference coaches’ poll, the volleyball team is aiming to compete for the NEC title.

“The NEC title is always our goal,” says Head Coach Linda Sagnelli. “It has eluded us for years now, but we were always right in there. Our girls are out there working hard to knock off defending champs LIU [Long Island University].”

After losing the second all-time leader in blocks, Jamie Baumert, Sagnelli will rely on one of the returning girls to take over that role.

“Sara DeLacey will become our best blocker. She is a real presence at the net and will become a shut down blocker,” said Sagnelli.

With starting libero Kaitlin Petrella entering her senior year, Coach Sagnelli looks to the future by bringing in new recruit Amalia Ashley to learn from one of the best.

“We expect Amalia to be a contributor with ball control. With Petrella in her senior year we are really hoping that this will be a great learning experience for Ashley,” said Sagnelli.

In addition to Ashley, Sagnelli has brought in two other new recruits that she sees making contributions to the team.

“Both Caity Van Camp and Kyla Bielert bring good experience to the team,” said Sagnelli. “We will give them playing time so they can pick up the tempo of the game. I know both of them will contribute to this team.”

After a couple weeks of practice Sagnelli is eager to see what her team can do.

“My expectations for my girls are very high. We need Kaitlin to own the floor. She is our defensive leaders and one of the best liberos in the NEC,” said Sagnelli.

“Amanda Bayer is our captain this year and not only is she our best setter; she sets the competitive tone for our team. She really prides herself and holds herself to high standards. She really provides the leadership we need,” said Sagnelli.

Sagnelli has also seen the improvements made by other players.

“Tori Vaughan will be a starter this year; she is a very consistent player who we need to look to for more points,” said Sagnelli. “Maite Mendizabal will attempt to crack into the starting lineup this year although we like her bringing the energy off the bench, when she contributes we are a better team. Danielle Gasser is another great contributor both as a setter and defensively, the stronger she becomes, the stronger we become.”

The freshmen from last year will also look to make a big impact this year.

“Our sophomores Blaike King, Emily Cochran and Jamie Rademacher have all worked hard over the summer and have gotten better all around,” said Sagnelli.

With high expectations comes a focus for this year. By focusing on teamwork and communication Coach Sagnelli hopes to eliminate unforced errors.

“By doing all the little things correctly we feel we can be very successful. This season will be a journey but doing the little things consistently will equal success,” said Sagnelli.

Another focus for the team will be academics.

“Last season we were awarded the American Volleyball Coaches Association team academic award. It was the fourth year in a row that we have received this award and we will strive to receive it again this year,” said Sagnelli.

The award is given to teams that have a collective GPA of a 3.3. Last year’s GPA was 3.72, and with a second place finish in the overall standings it was an award that both players and coaches can be really proud of.

With the first game on Friday Sept. 3 in Buffalo against Delaware State, Coach Sagnelli is focusing on getting her team properly prepared.

“With great leadership and a strong work ethic we feel we can compete with anyone. Whoever our opponent is, we will be prepared,” said Sagnelli.

CCSU opens their season at home on Sept. 25 against Bryant.