Oct. 13, 2004

Beverly, MA -- The Endicott women's volleyball team is currently having one of their best seasons on the court. The Gulls, ranked \#6 in New England on this week's NEWVA poll, post an impressive overall record of 17-4, 8-0 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC). They are currently the only team undefeated in the CCC, recently handing the defending CCC Champion Chargers of Colby-Sawyer College their first loss of the season.

The Gulls set a program record on October 2nd, when they defeated University of New England, giving EC their 11th consecutive victory. Currently, the women are continuing their unbeaten streak with 16 consecutive wins in the 2004 season. The team is 16-0 in the New England Region. Their four losses were outside the region, during their Chicago trip at the beginning of the season.

Under the helm of Head Coach Tim Byram (5th Season), the women have had their best start ever. Coach Byram has guided the team to their first ever victory against Springfield College, who is currently ranked 5th in New England and was ranked as high as 23rd in the country. The win over Springfield marked the highest ranking opponent ever that the women defeated. "The team set the bar a little bit higher for the program this week," Coach Byram said. "To defeat \#8 Colby-Sawyer and \#5 Springfield both on their courts was impressive."

In similar fashion, the Gulls defeated Gordon College, Plymouth State and Brandies University for the first time in the program's history. In the three matches combined, the Gulls only dropped one game, out of ten. "It is the team as a unit that is getting it done, not just one or two players," Head Coach Byram reflects. "And that is the great thing about this team."

The current Senior Class marks the first recruiting class for Coach Byram. "It is nice to see the seniors enjoying this success!" Coach Byram said.

The Gulls return to action Thursday, as they will travel to Brunswick, ME for a 7:00 PM match with Bowdoin College.