George Washington University Athletics
Volleyball Aims High in 2002
7/25/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
July 25, 2002
The 2002 season promises to be a step in the right direction for GW Volleyball. After suffering some growing pains from last season, coach Jojit Coronel's young team has had the winter to digest the experience gained from last year and turn those lessons into success on the court.
Upon returning from winter break in January, players, coaches and staff committed themselves to developing a cohesive unit based entirely on team building. Focusing on improving the dynamics of the team through behavioral and communicative means, the team created a positive and enjoyable environment that propelled everyone toward the attainment of their individual and team goals. In describing the spring season, Coronel said, "I don't think there was a day this spring that we didn't get better in some aspect of our program. More importantly, we all had fun making our work play and our play work." GW graduated just one senior and welcomes back four starters, including all-conference performers Ruth Lazzari and Britta Stroman, along with a class of six outstanding newcomers. The goal of the 2002 Colonials will be to "press on" and establish themselves as a volleyball force in the Atlantic 10.
The Players
The 2002 Colonials will rely on the leadership of junior co-captains Lauren Dunning (setter) and Sarah Hokom (outside hitter). Dunning, the daughter of Stanford volleyball coach John Dunning, is a team co-captain for the second straight year. Dunning appeared in 171 of GW's 198 games (86%) during her first two seasons. Primarily a defensive specialist as a freshman, she took over as the Colonials' starting setter as a sophomore last year and tallied 768 assists (9.25 apg) and 217 digs (2.61 dpg). Hokom is a first year team captain who demonstrated greatest improvement last spring and will be relied upon to carry a heavy load as a primary attacker. Hokom's 230 kills (2.84 kpg) and 223 digs (2.75 dpg) were second-highest on the team last season. Also returning are outside hitter Ruth Lazzari and opposite Laura Harrison. Lazzari returns as the team's top hitter with team-highs in kills (293 - 3.41 kpg) and digs (271 - 3.15 dpg). Ruth will most likely be even better this season with the addition of Hokom at the other pin," according to Coronel. Harrison's 2.48 kills-per-game average was third-highest on the team though injuries limited her to just 48 games last year. According to Coronel, "Laura is a tremendous team player and leader on and off the court. If she continues to work hard at staying healthy and getting stronger, she will be invaluable to our team's success.
A bright young star emerged last year in Britta Stroman (middle). Stroman stepped in immediately to solidify herself as GW's starting middle. Stroman was named to the A-10 All-Rookie team last season after posting 207 kills for a team-leading .210 hitting percentage and also led the squad with 51 total blocks. Despite shoulder surgery last spring, Stroman will be back to full strength by the time conference play begins. Sophomores Kristin Kiefer (setter), Katie Downey (outside hitter), Molly Law (outside hitter) and walk-on Kate Bolduan (setter/defensive specialist) are returning after outstanding performances last spring.
Despite spending most of her freshman season backing up Dunning and recording 145 assists in 78 games, Kiefer's dedication in the weight room this spring have positioned her for more playing time this season. Downey also figures to see more time after she appeared in 54 games and posted 63 kills and 56 digs last season. Law contributed a team-high 20 service aces and 117 kills in 75 appearances. She will be looked upon as a leader and for her ball control. Bolduan joined the team in the spring and demonstrated abilities as a setter and a defender.
The team welcomes five newcomers in 2002. The class of 2006 consists of MH Abigail Hatter, OH Lindsey Vernand, MH Shannon Parks, OH Jessica Vesey and libero Maggie Contreras.
Four Colonials, Amanda Carnahan, Lindsay Ochs, Sarah Farone and Jacqueline Kay, elected to transfer or retire from competitive volleyball. "It's scary how good and how together we were at the end of last spring," Coronel said.
The Schedule
Coronel's team enters the season with high expectations for the level of competition it must face. "Unlike last year, our preseason schedule will allow us to gain confidence and to prepare for a brutal conference schedule," Coronel said. "We will be facing teams from the ACC, Mountain West and Big East Conferences."
The Colonials will open the season in a tournament at Maryland before hosting the five-team GW Invitational at Smith Center. GW then travels to Boise, ID, for the Bronco Invitational. The Colonials conclude the non-conference portion of the schedule in the Pittsburgh Classic before opening A-10 play on the road at defending conference champions Xavier followed by a trip to Dayton.
"These tournaments will yield instant feedback about our offense, defense and ability to compete and prepare for the A-10," said Coronel. "This team really wants to make a name for itself and our early season tournaments will give them the opportunity to set the tone for the season. This group of players will be very exciting to watch." Also on the 2002 slate will be traditional crosstown rival and 1999 Big East Conference champion Georgetown as well as Pittsburgh and Maryland.
The A-10's top four teams will advance to the Verizon-Atlantic 10 championship tournament Nov. 22-23, where an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament is at stake.
