Aug. 25, 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook University's volleyball team kicks off its 2009 season this Friday when it travels to College Park, Maryland to compete in the Maryland Invitational. The Seawolves have seven returners on the roster who played in at least 27 matches last year, giving them one of the more experienced starting lineups in recent history. Add a talented incoming class and Stony Brook has its eyes on competing in its sixth America East Championship since 2002.

"We're not going to `Wow' anyone this season," said head coach Deborah Matejka-DesLauriers. "Our goal is to play solid defense and have a consistent hitting attack. We are very balanced both above and below the net this season and I think that will translate into us having a great year."

But before the Seawolves start making plans for the postseason, they first have a grueling regular season schedule to tackle. SBU will play in four different tournaments which has them traveling to Maryland, Harvard, Columbia and Brown. The road will be a familiar place for the Seawolves as they have only six home matches on their schedule.

"We have a very demanding schedule this year," commented Matejka-DesLauriers. "The Maryland Tournament will be a great challenge for us right off the bat and will give our team a chance to gel quickly and see what we're doing well and what we need to improve."

SBU will also face four New York based non-conference opponents in St. John's, Hofstra, Manhattan and Long Island University before starting America East play.

"The parity in the America East this year is great," said Matejka-DesLauriers. "I don't think there is a clear-cut favorite this season. We are going to have to show up every match to make it back into the playoffs."

Seniors
Stony Brook will be led by a deep senior class with more than ten years of Division I experience between them. Co-Captain Jamie Watson, Michelle Burrola, Lisa Doremus, Lindsey Gordon and Justine Hoffmann offer the Seawolves a mix of talent both above and below the net along with solid leadership.

Watson leads the team in career matches played and will solidify the Seawolves defense this season. Her 150 digs last year were a career-high and Matejka-DesLauriers expects her to be a leader for the defensive unit both on and off the court. Burrola, the team's starting libero, was a new face on last year's squad, but will be looked to for consistent defense as the Seawolves starting libero in 2009. "Michelle had a strong finish last year and we're hoping that momentum carries over to this season and she makes that next step," said Matejka-DesLauriers.

Above the net, Matejka-DesLauriers expects consistent production from both Doremus and Gordon. "Lisa is a solid swing hitter with a strong arm and should be one of our go-to hitters," said Matejka-DesLauriers. "Lindsey is a gritty player who flies under the radar a bit," she added. "I think she could really surprise some people this year."

Fellow senior, Justine Hoffmann offered the Seawolves a consistent serving option last season. "She's a great role player," remarked Matejka-DesLauriers. "She's a real asset to our team."

Juniors
This talented trio was shortened to a duo with the loss of Alicia Nelson to Tommy John surgery this spring. A powerful swing hitter, Nelson will sit out the 2009 season and is expected to return next spring.

Helping fill the gap left by Nelson will be co-captain Jeanette Gibbs. A solid defender, Gibbs began the transition to swing hitter late last season. While Matejka-DesLauriers looks forward to seeing her progress as a hitter, she knows Gibbs will provide her with dependable defense and great leadership.

One of the best defenders in the America East Conference last season, Ashley Headen also brings one of the best arms to the Seawolves offense. "She's an impact player on defense," commented Matejka-DesLauriers "and almost unstoppable on offense when she's set correctly." Headen ranks fifth all-time in career blocks per set (0.92) and will look to raise her offensive game to a similar level this season.

Sophomores
With a season of collegiate setting under her belt, Kelsey Sullivan will have the responsibility of leading the Seawolves offense in 2009. "She did a great job adjusting to the college game last year and we look for her to take a big step forward this season," said Matejka-DesLauriers. Sullivan set a school record for assists in a four set match with 65 last season and should enter SBU's top-ten for career assists this year.

SBU's coaching staff also saw improvement from fellow sophomore Jennifer Cunningham, who they hope will continue along that path in 2009.

Newcomers
Stony Brook has a deep, versatile and talented incoming class. Senior transfer Harmonie Calinda was a late addition to the Seawolves roster, but will prove valuable in filling the spot left behind by Nelson. Experienced and extremely athletic, Calinda gives Stony Brook's attack a versatile and explosive option.

Sophomore transfer Bianca Hernandez brings postseason experiences to the Seawolves, having played for Fordham last season. A fiery defender, Matjeka-DesLauriers will use her primarily as a sparkplug off the bench.

Middle blocker and right-side hitter Sally Downs joins the Seawolves after playing in extremely competitive national competition the last two seasons. Downs is a two-time Junior Olympic National All-Tournament team selection and her team finished third in the National division in Miami, Florida this past summer. At 6'1'', Matejka-DesLauriers expects Downs to compete for a starting position right away.

5'11'' Greta Strenger is another incoming freshman with great club team experience. Last fall she helped lead the Northern Lights to an 18-1 record and a fifth-place finish in the Open Division at Nationals. Solid both above and below the net, she could compete for a starting position this season as well. Strenger is also a talent in the classroom as she was offered the prestigious Stony Brook University scholarship award in recognition of her academic accomplishments. Both her and Downs come to Stony Brook with GPA's above 3.9.

Rounding out the freshman class is setter Corinne Perry. A complete player, she will add depth to the setter position and the Seawolves' coaching staff hopes the competition between her and Sullivan will bring out the best in both of them.

"I'm very pleased with the make-up of our team this year," said Matejka-DesLauriers. "We have solid leadership from our upperclassmen and the volleyball maturity of our incoming class will be a huge asset this season as we strive for a return trip to the America East Championship."