BEVERLY, Mass.- Endicott College Women's Volleyball has named it's captains for the 2012 season as voted on by the players. The Gulls will be captained by three seniors; Ashley Norley, Falyn Torelli and Gillian Kucharski. Overall, the three seniors have a class record of 59-49, with a conference record of 25-3. They are looking to improve on that overall record and win the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) title for the first time in four years.
When asked what the main goals for the programs were, the three women all had the same thoughts come to mind. "Having the number of freshmen on the roster that we do, we want to be sure they get settled in early and are able to get the 'jitters' out if you will," stated Norley. Ashley is coming off of a 2011 campaign that saw her earn All-CCC Honorable Mention for the first time in her career. She ended the 2011 campaign with 567 digs (4.81/set) and a .934 receive percentage on 880 attempts. "One thing that has helped get the freshmen acclimated quickly is the living situation over the summer has changed a bit so our roommates areare all teammates. It has actually worked out really well. We've gotten to know them on and off the court and have bonded a lot throughout the tryout process."
Falyn Torelli, also an All-CCC Honorable Mention last season, stated a goal that was echoed by the other two. "We obviously want to win the CCC title this year after having finished second the last two seasons." Torelli saw a good deal of success last season finishing with the second highest kill total on the team with 246, and as one of the top defenders with 227 digs. "One of our biggest goals this season is to beat Roger Williams on their home court." The Hawks have had the Gulls number in recent years but the team is hoping to turn the tide this season.
With an upcoming schedule that features the preseason #1 in the AVCA Coaches Poll as well as four other programs ranked in the top 25, the tests and challenges will be plentiful for sure. Gillian Kucharski has a very optimistic outlook on what lies ahead. "The difficult schedule will hellp prepare us for postseason play. We need to go into these matches ready to compete and after the match really study the film and take it as learning experiences. With so many ranked opponents nationally and regionally, we need to be prepared both mentally and physically to compete in every single match." Kucharski is looking to be an anchor for the defense after posting the third highest dig total on the team with 260.
As the season opening matchup at Keene State rapidly approaches, the team will look to their three senior leaders for guidance and stability from the very beginning. 2012 will prove to have many challenges, but with three experienced captains and a talented roster of younger players, the Gulls seem to be in good hands.
