March 28, 2006
Georgetown first-year volleyball head coach Arlisa Hagan made her first trip with the Hoyas to the first of four spring tournaments on March 25 at the University of Virginia.
Since being named head coach on December 27, Hagan and second year assistant coach Mitch Sadowsky have closely watched as the eight returners have conducted their individual workouts.
"Early morning individual workouts have been going on since the beginning of January," said Hagan. "I have been extremely pleased with the player's progress thus far and am looking forward to seeing the team as a collective unit in our spring competitions."
On March 25, the Hoyas posted a 2-2 record, winning matches over James Madison and William & Mary. The matches consisted of two games to 30 points with a third game to 15, being played if necessary.
Jessica Buffum (San Jose, Calif./Lynbrook) and Jessica George (Kennett Square, Pa./Kennett) both had great showings. Buffum, who completed her freshman season in the fall, led the team with more than 30 kills in the matches while George played well from her right side hitting position.
"We will rely heavily on the leadership of our seniors-to-be Jessica George, Rachel Barton (Marietta, Ga./The Walker School) and Annie Connor (Mountain View, Calif./St. Francis)," Hagan said. "The trio got off to a pretty good start in our first spring outing."
Barton, who ranked third on the team last season with almost three digs per game as a junior, showed very steady play as the team's primary libero over the weekend.
Kate Fisher (Menlo Park, Calif./Menlo Park) and Caitlin Boland (Naperville, Ill./Benet Academy) posted strong performances setting the ball. The duo combined for more than 1,000 assists in 2005. Boland is stepping into the role of right side hitter for the spring due to the small number of players, a position she hasn't played since her high school days.
Middle blocker Katherine Niesen (Gainesille, Fla./Eastside) had a good weekend at the net and continues to gain more confidence after leading the team in blocks as a freshman.
Outside hitter Katie Nulty (Santa Barbara, Calif./Laguna Blanca) served the ball well over the weekend and continues to work on her jump float serve.
"The team has made great strides since I came to Georgetown," Hagan said. "I am very happy with the progress of the players in their individual workouts and our staff is excited about the team's improvement. We continue to improve daily in our serving, our passing and our team defense. We'll continue to work on our blocking and our offense."
Georgetown will be in action again on April 1 at George Washington as GU takes on James Madison, Loyola (Md.), Maryland and the Colonials.
GU will also travel to Virginia Commonwealth on April 8 before heading to Navy on April 22.
