WASHINGTON - Head Coach Arlisa Williams and the Georgetown volleyball team have announced that senior MacKenzie Simpson (Greensboro, N.C./Northwest Guilford) and junior Lauren Saar (Plainwell, Mich./Plainwell) have been named team captains for the upcoming 2014 season. The two upperclassmen were selected via a team vote in the spring.

"In their time on the Hilltop, MacKenzie and Lauren have demonstrated their commitment to our program through their work ethic and decision making on and off the court," Williams said. "They have consistently played at a high level and helped improved our gym culture. For those reasons, plus the compassion they have for their teammates, I was happy to name them captain."

Simpson has been a defensive mainstay for the Hoyas for the past three seasons, playing in all 84 matches. In 2013 she led the squad with 423 digs, ranking 10th in the BIG EAST in that category, and was also among the team leaders with 13 service aces. Simpson has amassed 980 digs in her career thus far to go along with 108 assists and 39 service aces.

"It means a lot to be selected as a team captain," Simpson said. "Because it was a team vote, it means that much more because your teammates think so highly of you. It is an honor to know they trust Lauren and myself to lead them to reach the goals and expectations that we have set for this season."

Saar started all 29 matches last season as a sophomore after making 20 appearances as a freshman. She led the Hoyas in 2013 with 345 kills, averaging 3.08 kills per set, and was second on the team with 371 digs. For her career, Saar has 470 kills and 565 digs to go along with 60 total blocks.

"Being named captain is a great honor," Saar said. "I am really excited to step into this leadership role with MacKenzie. We are very excited about the team that we have this year. We have a good dynamic so far with lot more depth than we have had in the past and the freshmen are fitting in great."

The Hoyas open the 2014 season on the evening of Friday, Aug. 29 at American University as part of the D.C. Challenge. The Blue & Gray will alsotake on George Mason and Howard, with both matches being played at George Mason, on Saturday, Aug. 30.