The Fairleigh Dickinson University women's volleyball team embarks on the 2006 campaign at 7:00 p.m. versus Iona in New Rochelle, NY Wednesday, Aug. 30. The year brings lofty expectations, with the Knights specifically raising the bar for standards of success.
After missing the Northeast Conference Tournament for the first time in 13 seasons in 2005, Head Coach Stacey Recanati makes no qualms about the direction her experienced squad is heading.
“Our goal is always to win the conference,” Recanati said. “We're an experienced group who will rely on playing time from the last two seasons. Our main priority is to stay healthy heading into NEC play, because we're maturing at the right time. “
The Knights return all seven of their starters, including 10 letter winners. More convincing may be the fact that nine players on the team's roster logged time in double-digit matches.
“With our starting line-up back, in addition to the new talent added, we'll be able to mix athletes to push past last year,” Recanati said. “Our sophomore class gained valuable experience last year and poses a solid presence in the NEC.”
Three Knights are also coming off record breaking single-season efforts. Setter Ruth Levy (/Cary) racked up 1,213 assists, libero Lauren Lombardo (/Laurel) tallied 500 digs and middle hitter Elena Schmidt (/Nevada Union) contributed 425 kills.
Despite a record-setting season, Levy ? who garnered NEC Player of the Week honors on one occasion last year ? has not set her starting role in stone. The emergence of Karolina Kowalski (/North Arlington) following a solid rookie campaign has pushed the Knights' incumbent during the preseason.
“Ruth and Karolina will battle for the starting setter position,” Recanati said. “Having two strong setters is definitely a luxury.”
Middle hitters Rebecca Tenney (/Tabb) and Lauren Boothy form an intimidating duo near the net, combining for 157 blocks in 2005. On the outside, Schmidt ? a one-time NEC Player of the Week winner ? and Kayla McLeod (/Watertown District) pose a pair of power hitting threats.
After making an immediate impact in her freshman season, outside hitter Megan Philbrick (/Elizabeth Seton) ? a one-time NEC Rookie of the Week selection ? is joined on the roster by her “little” sister, Ali, also an outside hitter. At six-foot-two, Megan tallied 310 kills as a rookie ? second-best on the team. Ali, a six-foot standout from Maryland notched 365 kills, en route to receiving the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Recanati sees the sisters' potential as individuals and a tandem as unlimited.
“The two complement each other's strengths nicely,” Recanati said. “While they're unique competitors, we expect their familiarity with one another will pay-off immediately.”
Lombardo and Jennifer Brugger (/Centreville) will compete for the libero position, while Stephanie Cavataro (/Greenwich) and Casey Agnew (/Shaker) will fortify the team's defensive composition.
“I'm confident those four will give us a strong defense and service game,” said Recanati.
Fairleigh Dickinson will play 29 matches versus 25 different opponents.
“We'll look to open fast in tournament competition,” Recanati said. “Ultimately, we tried to see the most teams outside of our conference early on. We sought out better competition levels in our tournaments in the hopes that a strong non-conference schedule prepares us for conference play.”
The Knights open the 2006 season at Iona (8/30) before a three-match tournament in Washington, DC. FDU meets Loyola and host George Washington on 9/2, then Coppin State the following day.
After an away tilt at Lehigh (9/6), Recanati's squad heads to the Lafayette Tournament, facing the host Leopards (9/8), and the next day, St. Peter's and Sacred Heart.
The Knights host Rider (9/13) in their home debut, before a trip to Philadelphia, PA to face Quinnipiac (9/23), Binghamton (9/24) and host University of Pennsylvania (9/24).
Two matches on Sept. 29 await FDU against Maryland ? Eastern Shore and Howard at the UMES Tournament. The next day, the Knights play Providence and Delaware State.
Fairleigh Dickinson opens October with a string of three home matches. The Rothman Center plays host to Manhattan (10/4) and then against NJIT and Wagner in the annual FDU Tri-match (10/7).
Recanati's team travels to Wagner (10/11) before a season-long four-game home set. The Knights host St. Francis PA (10/15), La Salle (10/18), Quinnipiac (10/21) and Central Connecticut State (10/22).
FDU hits the road for four-consecutive clashes, beginning with Sacred Heart (10/28). The Knights then meet Long Island (11/1), St. Peter's (11/4) and St. Francis NY (11/11).
Fairleigh Dickinson concludes the regular-season versus Robert Morris (11/12).
The NEC Tournament is slated for Nov. 18-19.
