St. Luke's Volleyball: Season Preview

The St. Luke’s Volleyball program is looking to build on the success of the 2016 season to mount a serious challenge in both the FAA conference and the New England tournament.

After finishing with an overall record of 10-7 last term, head coach Abby Abbott is looking for this year’s squad to really make its mark: “We want to challenge for the FAA title this year but we also want to create a positive and supportive environment of sisterhood both on and off the court.”

The Storm enjoyed a tough but rewarding preseason recording two wins in scrimmages against The Stormers School and Greens Farms Academy. The team followed that up with an excellent 3-1 win in their season opener at Hopkins on Wednesday, September 13: “Preseason was great and the girls worked extremely hard.” Abbott said; “We added a new conditioning routine last year that involves, Zumba, boxing, yoga, a lot of cardio and many from the team participated in a camp prior to preseason. I think it has been the most fun and productive preseason we have had since I have been here.”

This year’s squad will be led by Bridget Dalton ‘18 and Maria Minuesa ‘18 and Abbott is confident the two seniors will do a great job: “Maria is a big leader on the court and she calls a lot of the plays. Bridget has been a shining beacon of positivity and has been with the program for four years. Her energy throughout has made such a difference.”

It is not just Dalton and Minuesa the team will be leaning on as Abbott wants all her senior class members to take on leadership roles throughout the campaign. “We have a great group of seniors and I am excited for them to have leadership opportunities this year.  Ali Ferris, Courtney Newman and Hope Jackson are organizing our program-wide tournament this year—the Maroon and White Tournament.  Gabby Mitchell and Ripley Goodwin are already showing leadership skills by heading up our big sister/little sister program which will include a trip to watch a game at Fairfield University.” Additionally, Abbott added: “We also have Emma Castiglione who brings a mature and resilient presence to the court, setting a serious tone for both practice and games.”

The Storm has real depth heading into the fall and Abbott, entering her fourth year, is eager to see what the team can achieve: “Sydney Cummings (‘19) and Riley Page (‘19) are solid middle hitters and we also have Elyse Kim (‘21) who is absolute dynamite in the back row. We also are delighted to welcome Tierney Schiff to SLS volleyball, she’ll be a contributor from the outside and in the opposite hitter position. The team is looking good.”

St. Luke’s Volleyball also welcomes Alexis Adams as the Varsity assistant coach and Abbott is excited by what she can add to the program: “Alexis has a lot of experience in the strength and conditioning field and I look forward to her help creating a fitter and faster team.”

Next up: The St. Luke’s Varsity Volleyball team has its home opener against Hamden Hall on Saturday, September 16 at 2pm.