Nov. 9, 2008

BRISTOL, R.I. - The New England Women's Volleyball Association has announced New England's top 32 Division III senior volleyball players invited to compete in the 2008 NEWVA Senior Classic, Sunday, Nov. 16, at Wellesley College.

The annual event features the area's top seniors competing in various competitions leading up to the afternoon's all-star match. Players were selected by a vote of all participating member head coaches following the nomination process.

The 32 players selected hail from 15 different states and the UK and represent 19 collegiate institutions from five separate conferences. The New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) boasts 15 players in the event, while both The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) and New England Metro-Atlantic Conference (NEWMAC) each send six players. The University Athletic Conference (UAA), Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) and the Little East Conference (LEC) also are represented.

Warm-up for the event begins at 10:30 a.m. with the match scheduled to begin following the morning's competitions at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Hayley Janelle (Madbury, N.H.) has had a stellar year for the Gulls, posting 284 kills, 48 aces and a team-leading 119 total blocks in 2008. Brittany Nolan (Monroe, Conn.) earns a spot on the all-star team as she was named the TCCC Libero of the Year. Nolan's season has featured 487 digs and a .905 serve-reception.

Established nearly 25 years ago, the New England Women's Volleyball Association is open to all collegiate institutions in New England sponsoring Division III women's volleyball. Membership has grown to 60 members in 2008, representing eight conferences.