Over the past two seasons, the George Mason women's volleyball team has put together years reminiscent of its "glory days" back in the early to mid 1990s. The Patriots have been the top seed in the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament each of those years and they believe that the 2002 season could be the one that returns them to prominence.
The Patriots already began their road to the top with their 18-7 overall record and 11-1 CAA mark in a successful 2001 campaign. The season saw head coach Pat Kendrick, entering her 18th season as a head coach at George Mason, receive Coach of the Year honors from the CAA. Four of her players earned all-conference honors while three grabbed all-state honors. Two others were named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) East All-Region team. The Patriots also maintain their status among the best, being regionally ranked in the NCAA. However, even with Mason's success, there is still much more to prove on the court.
Yet the Patriots have more than proven that they have the heart and the talent to succeed this season. Enlisting the efforts of returning junior outside hitter Aline Pereira as well as sophomore Jesica Umansky, the Patriots will be in serious contention to return to the CAA Championships and a possible NCAA Tournament appearance.
"We do not want to be in a position where we have any excuses," said Kendrick, who believes the Patriots have the arsenal of talent and athleticism to reach the next level in 2002. "I think we have a team with which we can put out a number of different combinations and still be in a pretty good position to win this year."
This will be no easy task for the Patriots, with opponents such as William & Mary, winners of the 2001 CAA championship, standing in their way. Also, Hofstra has proven itself as a worthy opponent in its inaugural season in the conference. The Patriots, as well as the entire NCAA women's volleyball community, continue to face ever-present changes to the game, especially with the addition of the libero position in this upcoming season.
Returning Players
George Mason will face the daunting task of rebuilding its volleyball team after losing four players to graduation and seven athletes overall. Leading that group of graduated seniors is 5-9 outside hitter Natalia Torres-Tirado, a four-time All-CAA selection.
The Patriots will depend on Pereira to lead the way. At 5-10, Pereira led the conference in 2001 with 5.20 kills per game average and also ranked in the CAA in hitting percentage and dig average. She ranks fourth on the all-time list for career hitting percentage with .309 at Mason. Pereira recorded 13 double-doubles during last season, including a 24-kill, 23-dig match against William & Mary. She capped her phenomenal sophomore year with selections to the All-Virginia and All-CAA first teams as well as the CAA all-tournament team. Pereira's honors didn't end there as she was also selected the CAA and Virginia Player of the Year, and was a member of the AVCA East All-Region squad.
After a sensational freshman campaign, 5-8 setter Umansky will be expected to contribute in a major way in 2002. Umansky led the Patriots and the CAA averaging 13.09 assists per game and placed second in the conference in service ace average with 0.53 per game. As a true freshman, she recorded a season-high 69 assists in a 3-1 victory over UNC Wilmington and posted 10 or more digs 10 times, including a season high of 14 in the win against Hofstra. Last year, she picked up all-state honors, being placed on the All-Virginia second team. She was also selected for the All-CAA second team, garnering CAA Co-Rookie of the Year honors, and was tabbed the AVCA East Region Rookie of the Year, earning a spot on the East All-Region team. Umansky was one of only four freshmen nationally named to their respective all-region teams in 2001.
Looking to return to the lineup after a redshirt season in 2001 is 6-0 junior opposite hitter Shelbylynn McBride. After spending last season concentrating on being a guard for George Mason's women's basketball team, McBride will be looking to reclaim her place as one of the top players in the CAA. Described as tenacious on defense, McBride's duties could include being called on to play as the newly added position of libero this season.
Hoping to return from injuries is 5-11 junior outside hitter Milena Racic. Injuries sustained the previous summer led to a medical redshirt for her last season, and a healthy Racic will be a vital attacker for the Patriots.
Senior Alison Phillips returns for the Patriots as a 5-3 defensive specialist. Recognized for her encouraging work ethic and the positive example she sets for the team, Phillips will be needed to provide leadership.
Rounding out the group of returning players for the Patriots are 6-0 senior Amy Falk and sophomore Katie Gaudreault as middle blockers this season. With the potential to be one of the better middle blockers in the conference, Falk will be called upon to physically step up to the challenge this season. Gaudreault has continued to improve her game, learning a lot during this past offseason. Both players will be needed to maintain a solid defense this year.
2002 Recruiting Class
Completing the rest of the 2002 Patriots roster are seven newcomers that come from around the globe. Recognized for their worldly volleyball experiences and diverse backgrounds, the Patriots enlisted the talents of players from Brazil and Canada as well as across the United States, including "homegrown" talent.
Elizabeth Bottorf, a 5-8 freshman setter, joins the Patriots after finishing a successful high school volleyball career. A tri-sport athlete, Bottorf will join Umansky to give the Patriots a strong pair of setters.
Freshmen outside hitters Shauna Ford and Natalia Porosa, at 5-8 and 5-11, respectively, will look to contribute to the mix of outside hitters for the Patriots. Both players are noted as having great ball control and attacking skills and will vie for starting positions.
Nicolette Bernardes, a 5-10 freshman opposite hitter, and 6-1 freshman opposite hitter Helena Castro are also expected to contribute. Ryan Bradish, a 6-1 freshman middle blocker, is projected to earn a starting role in the lineup. Damaris Bonilla, a 6-7 junior outside hitter and middle blocker, will also add depth to the Patriots' squad.
The addition of these talented players will add a stronger dimension to Mason's unit. The newcomers' well-founded skills, along with the competitive and tenacious nature of the team, should mesh well this season.
The Schedule
The team has a challenging and exciting schedule for 2002, decorated by matches versus five teams that competed in the 2001 NCAA Tournament. The Patriots will face tough competitors in Northern Iowa, Georgia Tech, Louisville and Cincinnati, in addition to William & Mary and a formidable CAA slate.
The Patriots open their 2002 season at home with the annual Doubletree/Brion's Grille/Patriot Invitational August 30-31. Scheduled to appear in the weekend tournament along with George Mason are Georgia Tech, Villanova, Rice and Northern Iowa.
Following the Patriot Invitational, George Mason heads to Clemson, SC, for the Clemson Big Orange Bash on Sept. 6-7. They will compete against Jacksonville, East Carolina and host team Clemson. The next weekend conference play begins on Sept. 13 at home in the John Linn Memorial Gym against Virginia Commonwealth. On Sept 14, the Patriots will have a rematch against CAA championship rival William & Mary.
The Patriots will round out the season playing in 27 matches and will close the regular season against CAA member Hofstra. George Mason will look to return to the CAA Tournament, which will take place at James Madison on Nov. 22-24.
With a brand new team and a brand new attitude of "no excuses," the Patriots look forward to returning to the championship match and the NCAA Tournament.
Libero
Why is that player wearing the wrong uniform? That's no mistake - that's the libero, who wears a different jersey to distinguish her. There is only one libero per team in the match at any given time, and she is a completely defensive player. She may replace any player in a back row position. The libero may not serve, block, or attack the ball. Her primary job is to pass and play defense. The libero does not count as a substitution and may replace other players an unlimited number of times. After the libero is replaced, she must stay out one rally before replacing another back row player.
