August 8, 2007

BRYANT VOLLEYBALL WELCOMES FIVE NEWCOMERS TO PROGRAM IN 2007
Bulldogs Open Preseason Practice August 15

SMITHFIELD, RI -  The Bryant University women's volleyball team will welcome five newcomers to the program in 2007 when the Bulldogs open preseason practice August 15.  12th-year coach Theresa Garlacy and the Bulldogs will be seeking their ninth consecutive NCAA appearance this fall when the team opens the slate August 31 at the Lewis Invitational in Romeoville, Ill.

Adrienne Boss (5-11, Freshman, Middle Hitter/Right Side, Dracut, MA)
High School:  Four-year starting outside hitter ... Helped lead team to state tournament all four years including Merrimack Valley Conference co-championship in 2003 ... Two-Year MVC All-Start ... Team Captain ... MVC All-Star in track ...Holds school high school jump  record ... Plans of concentrate on business and marketing at Bryant. 

"A big lefty who will be difficult to block, especially out of the middle," said Garlacy.  "Very versatile and can play any of the front row positions." 

Robyn Gardner (5-7, Freshman, Libero/Defensive Specialist, Longwood, FL)
High School:   2007 graduate of Lake Brantley High School ... Four-year letterwinner in volleyball ... Three-year starting libero for coach Carlos Pizarro ... Team went 22-3 in 2006, winning the District Championship and reaching the second round of regionals ... Orlando Sentinel Player of Week ... First Team All-Seminole Conference ... Team Defensive MVP ... AP Scholar with honors ... National Honor Society ... Beta and French Honorary Club.

Caitlyn Kogge (6-3, Freshman, Middle Hitter)
High School:  Lettered in volleyball, basketball and track ... Two-Time All-Conference selection in volleyball and track ... Three-time All-Academic ... National Honor Society ... Member of record holding sprint relay team in 4 x 400 meter and sprint relays.   "An intimidating force at the net," said Garlacy.  "Once she perfects her transition game, she will become a dominating attacker."

Miranda Kolbe (6-0, Freshman, Setter, Holt, MI)
High School:  Helped lead team to two state tournament titles as well as 2005 Capital Area Activities Conference title ... All-Region selection .. All-Conference and All-Area ... League Invitational All-Tournament team ... League record holder for single season assists and record for assists in three and five game matches ... National Honor Society ...

"Miranda will be the biggest setter ever to play at Bryant," said Garlacy. "She is an outstanding leader on and off the court.   She brings very strong fundamental skills to our program as an excellent all around player.

Sherika Nicholas (5-6,Freshman, Outside Hitter, East Patchogue, NY)
High School:  2007 graduate of Bellport HS ... Lettered in volleyball and track ... Team captain as a senior, earning MVP, Best Offensive Player and All-County honors ... All-State and All-American honoree in indoor and outdoor track ... Bellport Scholar and NAACP Minority Award winner ... Senior Honor Society, Gospel Chorale and Spanish Honor Society.