2021 Volleyball Season Preview
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Head coach of the Bryant University volleyball program Theresa Garlacy would never have guessed that her 25th season at the helm would be a condensed spring season brought on by a global pandemic. But with a promising group of freshmen and a strong returning group, Garlacy and the Bulldogs are ready to tackle the 2021 season.
Seniors Erika Ward and Mackenzie Wild are the only seniors competing this season as they lead the Bulldogs as captains. Redshirt senior Sydney Gorski graduated after the fall 2020 semester and will not be competing this spring. Ward and Wild are no stranger to leading together as co-captains as they both hail from Rochester, Michigan where they served as captains of the Stoney Creek girls volleyball team together. The seasoned seniors are no stranger to success as they helped lead Bryant to its first-ever NEC Championship in 2018.
"Erika and Mackenzie have really been holding everything down over this long break that we've had," states Garlacy. "They're just so excited to be on the court and I can see how much this season means to them. They are taking every practice and every chance to compete as a blessing."
Ward is the team's energy bunny on the court as a libero and brings a wealth of leadership. She lets her impressive volleyball resume speak for itself as she holds Bryant's D1 career digs record (1,412) and even earned a spot on Bryant's All-Decade Team before finishing her four-year career.
Garlacy also gushes about Wild's leadership and energy that she will bring to the floor this year as well. The Michigan native posts 67 kills on her career and can be spotted this season on the right side if and when the Bulldogs switch to a 6-2, to really incorporate her blocking capabilities.
The two-time All-NEC selection in Caroline Kennedy also returns this season for the Black and Gold after leading the team in kills (296) and hitting percentage (.282) in 2019. The outside hitter may see some time in the back row this season due to the positive vibe she consistently brings to the court.
"Caroline Kennedy just brings so much energy and positivity to practice every day. She goes hard after every ball whether it's on offense or defense," Garlacy said.
Sophomore outside hitters Emma McGovern and Riley James are consistent forces in the Bryant rotation as they each shined in their rookie seasons. James led the team in 2019 with 40 service aces on the season, averaging 0.38 aces per set. The 0.38 mark ranked her third in the conference and among the top 100 in the country. McGovern was a two-time Molten/NEC Rookie of the Week (9/3, 9/9) during the 2019 season and earned All-Tournament honors at the Hampton Inn-vitational to kick off her career as a Bulldog.
With the possibilities of schedule changes and quarantines this year, Garlacy is excited to see some players step up and play in slightly different positions than what they are used to. Sophomore Abby Rae will primarily contribute to the team as a defensive and serving specialist, but when called upon, may also see some time as a setter.
"We've been practicing with her all week just in case. You have to have a plan B," said Garlacy. "It's letting us give people opportunities in other ways that they can contribute. We knew she had good hands, we knew she could move well, so it was a natural fit for her."
The middle blocking duo of Haley O'Brien and Alysa Wright also return for the Bulldogs this season. The two led the team with a combined 15 solo blocks in 2019. O'Brien also led with 77 block assists while Wright ranked third on the roster with 46.
"They have both worked really hard in practice with their connections with Jenna [Knight] and the tempo of the plays."
Sophomore Maggie Ryan will also appear in Bryant's rotation as a middle blocker after playing in 26 matches in her rookie campaign.
Junior Jenna Knight will add a versatile role as both a setter and a right-side attacker. The Scottsdale, Arizona native accumulated 198 kills across two seasons in the Black and Gold. Also appearing in the setter position is Mia Cergol who appeared in all 32 matches during her rookie season. Cergol leads the returners with 464 assists from the previous season.
The Bulldogs are also thrilled to see four fresh faces take the floor for the first time in a Black and Gold uniform this season. Claudia Borri, Fabiana Castro, Josie Deluga and Abby Snethen are all gaining confidence as the year goes on and Garlacy is excited to see what they can provide the Bulldogs with on the court.
With the massive diversity that the Bryant squad boasts this year, Garlacy emphasizes the team chemistry and energy that is blatant when anyone lays eyes on the Bulldog squad. With the high energy, Bryant will be making an extra effort this year to maintain a sustainable energy level throughout an entire match, and re-focusing for game two in a doubleheader, regardless of the outcome in game one.
"We need to finish teams off when we have the opportunity to and to maintain a sustainable energy level. We can't be too high or too low."
Bryant takes the floor this weekend with its lone non-conference match of the season at in-state foe Providence on Sunday, Feb. 14. The Northeast Conference slate is set to begin at home when the Bulldogs host Merrimack in a doubleheader on Monday, March 1 beginning at 5 p.m.
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