Nov. 28, 2006
BEVERLY, MA - The Endicott College women's volleyball team reached new heights in 2006, as the team compiled an impressive 26-13 record, while going undefeated (12-0) in Commonwealth Coast Conference play. The Gulls dominance of the conference was well represented in their 42-2 record in games against CCC foes, capped off with their eventual CCC championship over Roger Williams in early November.
This year's team was just that, a team. Perhaps the most balanced club ever assembled by Coach Tim Byram (7th Season), Endicott not only won the Commonwealth Coast Conference championship, but the squad also won their first NCAA Tournament game. Endicott entered the NCAA's as the five seed and proceeded to pick up the programs first post season win, avenging an early season 3-0 loss, with a 3-2 win over the forth seeded Eastern Connecticut State University. The Gulls advanced to the Regional Semi-Finals where they fell to the top seed and eventual New England Regional Champions, Coast Guard Academy.
Success didn't come easy to the 2006 Gulls, as the team struggled at the Pike's Peak Challenge Tournament in Colorado, quickly falling to 0-4 on the young season. Injury ridden, the squad could only muster a 2-8 record a quarter of the way through their '06 campaign. Despite the early season adversity, the Gulls found a way to persevere. Once healthy, the team came together to win 24 of there next 29 matches, including the CCC championship and a program-first victory on the national stage in the NCAA Regional Tournament.
The Gulls were led by Commonwealth Coast Conference Player of the Year, Meghan Hall (Santa Cruz, CA/Aptos). The junior led the conference as she racked up 1200 assists, for an average of 9.68 per game. The Endicott setter also led the CCC in service aces, as she dropped in 84 on the season. Meghan will enter her senior season as the programs all-time assists leader, as she has compiled 3,618 assists in just three seasons as a Gull.
Senior middle hitter Sara Moore (Guilford, CT/Guilford) will be one of two graduating seniors, along with Katelyn Smith (Ballston Lake, NY/Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake), from this year's squad. The Guilford, Connecticut native has controlled the net for the past four seasons, and has been an influential captain with strong leadership skills to go along with her outstanding play. Moore leaves Endicott as the programs all-time leader in points (1558.5), kills (1,305), kills per game (3.03), attack percentage (33.3%), solo blocks (110), and total blocks (333). This past season, Moore was selected to play in NEWVA Senior Classic, while also being honored as a Senior Scholar Athlete and a First Team All-CCC selection.
Despite the excellent play of some of the team's veterans, many underclassmen stepped up their games contributing to the successful season. Sophomore's Brittany Nolan (Monroe, CT/Masuk) and Hayley Janelle (Madbury, NH/Oyster River) responded with great seasons after each turned in a strong freshman campaign. Nolan set a new program record for digs, as she averaged over five per game (5.01) in 2006. Janelle continued her strong attack, as she nailed home 287 kills, while leading the conference in hitting percentage (26.1%). Hayley also set single season block records for the Gulls, as she turned in 47 solo blocks, and a program-best 119 total blocks on the season. Brittany Nolan was a CCC Third Team selection, while Hayley Janelle was named to the conference's Second-Team.
Rounding out the potent offense for Endicott was freshman newcomer Steph Wiese (Higganum, CT/Haddam-Killingworth). The outside hitter put together one of the most complete freshman seasons in program history, as she accumulated 342 kills while contributing 432 total points. Wiese will look to build upon her freshman year next season, as she was honored as an All-CCC Second Team selection.
The future looks bright for the Gulls, as they return five of their six starters from 2006. The current class has shown the desire to improve, coupled with the focus and determination needed to advance the program to the next level, success will certainly follow. The loss of the most successful net player in the program history, Sara Moore, and the senior leadership of Katelyn Smith will certainly be felt, but with an excellent group of now post-season veterans, the Endicott Gulls will look to fly in 2007!
