(September 1, 2009) - The Eagles volleyball team looks to continue its success this season after finishing with an overall record of 16-5 in 2008.  The ladies won 51 sets while dropping only18 and made an appearance in the conference semifinals last year before bowing out to Husson University.

With no incoming freshman, the squad is set to take the floor with a solid core of returning players.  Perhaps the biggest challenge for the team will be their ability to adapt to new head coach Erin Bellomo.

Coach Bellomo is encouraged by their work thus far during pre-season.  "I have very high expectations of all of the girls.  They have come to practice willing to work hard.  I can't ask for anything more."

Among the returning players is junior Olesea Cojohari (Balti, Moldova).  Her experience and ability as a setter will be crucial to the teams' success.  Coach Bellomo: "Olesea is a very strong and smart, all-around player. I expect a great deal from her (already) and she will be an asset this season in all aspects of the game.  She was GMC's 2^nd best server last season."

Joining Olesea is fellow junior Jen McGuire (Nutley, NJ).  Over the past three seasons, Jen has steadily become a leader of the squad and is expected to take on an even greater role in 2009.  Coach Bellomo: "Jennifer has been setting these girls for the past three years, and she has come into pre-season working hard and continues to fine tune her skills.  She continues to step up to lead the team."

Emma Brinley Buckley returns for her final season after being selected to the conference's first team in 2008. Brinley-Buckley led the Eagles with 2.95 kills/set, a .379 hitting percentage, and 1.24 blocks/set. Emma was also second on the team in assists/set with 2.71 and third in aces with 47 in 19 matches. Brinley-Buckley finished the year ranked nationally in three categories statistically, 16^th in blocks/set, 20^th in hitting percentage, and 25^th in aces/set.  "I am looking to Emma to continue to be a presence and a leader on the court this year"

Last years' Most Improved Player, Melanie Rodriguez (Hoboken, NJ) will be expected to contribute significantly during 2009.  She continued work over the summer is evident and her positive attitude permeates the squad.

The Eagles received a boost to the team this year with the return of senior Allison Tremblay (Worcester, MA) after a one-year hiatus.  Her great court sense and solid passing ability will be important this year. 

Senior Lauren Selonke (Nashville, TN) returns as a top defensive player.  Coach Bellomo believes her attitude and ability will be vital if the Eagles are to make a run at the conference title.

The Eagles add a pair of newcomers to the squad.  Sophomore Chanleigh Casey (Hartford, NY) and senior Hilary Dernier (Seattle, WA) have progressed nicely during training camp and will be counted on to add depth to the team.

GMC opens their slate on Friday, September 4^th when they host SUNY Cobleskill.  Game time is 6:00 pm in Waldron Gymnasium's Eagle Dome.