Volleyball Looks to Build off Success From 2021

DARTMOUTH, Mass. - The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth volleyball team made its return to postseason play for the first time in 12 years in 2021, and first-year Head Coach Justin Turco is looking to build off that success with a talented roster of veterans and newcomers. The Corsairs did not graduate a single player from last years' roster and are comprised of one senior, five juniors, five sophomores and five freshman.

UMassD finished 2021 with an 11-12 record and 4-4 in the Little East Conference to earn the sixth seed in the tournament. The season included a signature win at Keene State, which was the first for the program in 17 years.

The top-three leaders in kills are back on the squad. Sophomore Kate Wade made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign, leading the team with 247 kills and 3.09 kills per set, she was also second on the team with 39 aces. Junior Devon Laing was second with 191 kills and 2.39 kills per set, Laing finished with 37 aces as well, and was second on the team with 263 digs for 3.29 digs per set. Junior Marley Alexander piled up 136 kills and 1.64 kills per set in 2021, she also led the Corsairs with 46 blocks.

Vanessa Barreto is the lone senior of the group, she led the way with 271 digs and recorded 37 aces last season. Returning as well are junior Gabriella Monico (44 kills, 140 digs), and sophomores Monika Kristjansdottir (47 kills, 20 blocks), Chelsea Sanker (42 kills) and Zoe Dizenzo (641 assists, 180 digs). Juniors Maggie Sullivan and Annika Laudemann each saw significant action last season and are both back as well.

The team welcomes six newcomers, including sophomore transfer Natalia Abreu from the City College of New York, who registered 142 kills and 89 digs for the Beavers last season. The five freshmen on the roster who will add depth are Emma Rousseau (Seymour, Conn.), Brooke Wittmer (East Hampton, N.Y.), Emily Pogorelec (Wayne, N.J.), Raelynn Perregaux (Torrington, Conn.) and Sabrina Bordone (Massapequa, N.Y.).

UMass Dartmouth begins its season at Wheaton College (Sept. 1). From there, the Corsairs host Clark (Sept. 7) and have a home tri-match against Husson and Framingham State (Sept. 10). The team is then at Wentworth (Sept. 13) before meeting Plymouth State at the Tripp Athletic Center (Sept. 16) for the LEC opener.