Boston College Athletics
Eagles to Take Another Step Forward in '99
August 16, 1999 | Volleyball
Aug. 16, 1999
VOLLEYBALL OUTLOOK
Last season, first-year head coach Jackie Hadel erased the memory of a 7-24 record in 1997 and spurred the Boston College 1998 volleyball team to 12-19. Knowingly, there is much room for improvement, and that fact alone fuels this season's primary focus of playing beyond the numbers in 1999.
"Our number one goal is to become a more competitive team, a team that will play with a lot of heart and always with a sense of purpose," Hadel said. "I know that we have the physical ability, and now we are aiming to successfully combine that talent with desire and determination."
The Eagles have set their sights on a berth in the BIG EAST tournament (Nov. 19-21) that includes six of the conference's 12 squads.
"It is motivation enough to know that ever since the conference began limiting the number of teams that could compete in the end-of-the-season tournament, BC has not been a participant. We are inspired to change that," Hadel said.
Hadel has valid cause to expect a breakout season in 1999. The Big-Three starters from a season ago - Kyleen Charlton, Julia El-Hag and Laura DeLong - return to the Eagles' lineup this fall. Those talented veterans will play alongside other solid returners as well as Hadel's very first recruiting class, expected to be the best in BC history.
Charlton, whose reading ability, quickness and agility on the court translated into a team-leading 1,019 assists in 1998, will complement the Eagles' high-flying, premier attacker Julia El-Hag. Lone senior Laura DeLong will provide much needed leadership as a captain to the BC squad of six first-year players, two sophomores and three juniors as well as contributing her solid blocking and hard-hitting abilities to the right side.
Fortunately, Boston College's youth will not be a deterrent this season. Instead, the program will benefit from an influx of new blood.
"We are solid and deep in each position, and I expect the newcomers to contribute not only on the court, but to also motivate the returners to play their best game," Hadel explained.
After previewing their ability in 1998, the Eagles are primed to continue their ascent in 1999.
SETTERS
One of the many bright spots on this year's team is Kyleen Charlton, who will man the helm of BC's offense. In Hadel's estimation, Charlton is one of the best setters in Division I volleyball. She came to the Heights with Hadel from Rollins College in Florida, and is one of two Eagle returnees who played in 103 of 106 games in 1998. Last fall, she averaged 9.89 assists per game and 10.81 APG in BIG EAST play. She recorded 30 or more assists in 18 of the team's 31 matches, climaxing to a season-best 65 assists in a four-game match with Dartmouth. The Florida native was also second on the team with 20 block solos and 25 block assists while besting the Eagles with a .369 attack percentage (111 kills, 22 errors and 241 attempts).
Other players who will compete for the position as well as provide solid backup duty will be Kristin Sprinkel and Carolina Cruz. Sprinkel is an all-around player who had success in the setter role last spring. She possesses great ball control and has the athleticism to compete for any position. Sprinkel played in 100 of 106 games in 1998 and was one of two players to lead the service aces column with 24 while also registering a team-high 26 block solos and 50 block assists.
Cruz joins the team as a transfer from Long Island University and could provide depth in the setting position.
MIDDLE BLOCKERS
Sprinkel has already proven to be a legitimate threat in stoning opponents with her blocking ability. Last season, she recorded a personal-best seven blocks against Manhattan College and also tallied career highs of 18 kills and seven digs against Harvard.
Quality depth in the middle will also be supplied by newcomers Kathy Lavold and Kim Carlson, who will each provide athleticism, quickness and agility to the Eagles' front row.
Missing from the middle this season is sophomore Amy Chiaverini. Last spring's most improved player will be forced to sit out because of a stress fracture but is expected to return in the spring of 2000.
OUTSIDE HITTERS
This season, junior Julia El-Hag expects to build upon her past two seasons' impressive team-leading statistics. In each of those years, she has topped BC in both the kills and digs columns. Her 415 kills last season bettered her freshman total by 57 while also augmenting her dig sum by 68 (357) in 1998. Playing in 103 games, she averaged 4.1 kills per game - third in the conference - and recorded 10-plus digs in a match 17 times while posting 20 or more digs in four matches. The talented outside hitter earned 18 double-doubles (kills and digs) and was one of two Eagles to post a squad-best 24 service aces.
Also returning to the lineup this fall is Brooke Shull, who was hindered by knee problems in 1998. She was limited to 60 games, but will be ready to go in 1999. She also plays softball for the Eagles.
"When she (Shull) hits the ball, she terminates it," Hadel said.
Another player capable of put-away hitting is Lauren Schwer. Schwer comes to BC via one of the nation's best club teams, Sports Performance.
"Both Schwer and Carlson - coming from Sports Performance - bring the intangibles of knowing how to win and knowing what its takes to win. That is going to be a key ingredient to help our program," Hadel said.
RIGHT SIDE
Captain Laura DeLong, with three years of experience, will anchor the court's right side. Last season, DeLong accumulated 184 kills and 30 blocks in just 85 games. Her season-best overall performance came against Brown where she executed 15 kills, 17 digs and three blocks.
Also vying for minutes on the right side is freshman, Rachel Bach, a 6-2 left-handed attacker from Jacksonville, Fla.
"Rachel will instantly provide us with huge blocks on the right side," Hadel said.
DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST
This position is one that Hadel deems integral to the overall success of her team this season. Players Mary Fitterer, Carolina Cruz and Lauren Schwer could all likely fill this role at one time or another. Stability in this position will be essential to the overall team concept.
