Boston College Athletics
1998 Women's Volleyball Season Preview
June 21, 1999 | Volleyball
August 19, 1998
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Jackie Hadel, the new head volleyball coach at Boston College, is eagerly awaiting the beginning of the 1998 season, her first at the helm of the Eagles program. With a potent mix of returning players and new leadership, this year's squad will look to lay the groundwork for the future success of the Boston College Eagles.
"We have tried to change the whole attitude of the program," Hadel said. "This past spring we established a precedent for hard work and commitment. These two qualities are necessary to develop the future of this program."
With a solid group of returning players and an influx of new talent, the Eagles will look toward building a solid foundation for future success at the Heights.
SETTERS
The setter position will be very important to the success of the Eagles this year. "This position, like all the rest, is wide open," Hadel said.
Seniors Courteney Grubb and Katherine Tortorello will compete with Kyleen Charlton, a transfer from Rollins, for the starting setter position.
Grubb is a natural communicator, who provides solid leadership on the floor. "She has good reactions and reads the court very well," Hadel said.
Tortorello, who led the team last year with 836 assists, will also look to vie for the starting position for the Eagles. "She is a hard working, dedicated athlete, who is a major asset to our program because of those two intangibles," Hadel said.
Charlton, who will make the move north with Hadel, will bring quickness and athleticism in her quest to compete for time at Boston College. "She is a dynamic athlete, who is very quick, and will diversify our offense," Hadel said.
"Whoever is able to come in and control the flow of the game, provide a solid block, and play solid right-back defense, will be the one who receives the most playing time," Hadel said.
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
Last year middle blocker was one of the Eagles' strongest areas. However, Hadel is now faced with the challenge of having to replace one of last year's most valuable members in Natalie Scott. Scott led the team in block assists with 58, while also registering 203 kills.
Looking to contribute will be three members of the Eagles team: junior Jennifer Buchholz, sophomore Kristin Sprinkel, and freshman Amy Chiaverini.
Buchholz, who played in only 11 games last year, will look to move in and gain more playing time. "She possesses an outstanding work ethic, Hadel said. "She has a natural will to win."
Sprinkel, who played in 68 games last season, finished fourth in block assists, with 24. "She has improved immensely over the spring," Hadel said. "We have big expectations for her this year."
Also looking to come in and vie for playing time at the middle blocker position will be Amy Chiaverini. "She will push for playing time immediately," Hadel said. "She is very aggressive at the net."
OUTSIDE HITTERS
Julia El-Hag returns this year looking to top her impressive numbers from last year. As a freshman, El-Hag led the team with 358 kills and also led the team with 289 digs. As a sophomore she will likely emerge as the key force for the Eagles. "Julia is our best all-around player, she is solid on offense and defense," said Hadel. "We have very high expectations for her."
Junior Laura DeLong, sophomore Claire Oswalt and freshman Brooke Shull will also look to compete for playing time at this position.
DeLong played in 84 games last year, posting 93 kills and 149 digs. Her ability defensively in the back row will be a key to the Eagles' success this year.
Oswalt, another contributor from last year's squad, posted 158 assists while also contributing 61 digs. "She is another player who we expect to contribute on a day to day basis," Hadel said.
Shull comes to the Eagles with a wealth of club experience, and she should contribute immediately. "She has the ability to be a very potent put-away hitter for us," Hadel said.
RIGHT SIDE
The right side position is a very important position. It is necessary to provide a solid block, and Hadel thinks that she has a number of players who can contribute in that area. Leading the pack will be senior Cathleen Carpenter. Also looking to contribute will be a host of other players who will split time between right side and other positions, including Oswalt, DeLong, Shull and Buchholz.
Carpenter, this season's captain, will look to better her already impressive numbers from last year. In 99 games for the Eagles, Carpenter registered 132 kills, 46 assists, 185 digs, 10 solo blocks and 31 block assists. She also was tied for the team lead with 22 service aces. "She provides excellent leadership on and off the floor, and I expect her to help us in many roles," Hadel said.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS
This position is one that Hadel feels is important to the overall success of her team this season. Two players will look to make their contribution to the team in this role for the Eagles this season, senior Courtney Grubb and sophomore Meleana Blaich.
"Grubb has an innate ability to read and respond to her opponents," Hadel said. "She is also a solid communicator and leader in the back row."
Blaich, who is one of the best conditioned athletes on the Eagles squad, will also look to contribute in this area. She has a superb attitude and she is an excellent athlete in the back row for the Eagles. "Her commitment to conditioning and the weight room has led to her development as a defensive specialist for our team," Hadel said.
