July 23, 2008

2008 Mason Women's Volleyball Schedule

The George Mason women's volleyball team will welcome a number of new student-athletes in the 2008 season, as six newcomers will join the Patriots in their quest for an eighth conference title. According to head coach Pat Kendrick, who is set for her 24th season at the helm, the new players will each contribute and help the team realize a new level of flexibility.

"I think the newcomers will offer depth we haven't had," she said. "We've had situations in the past where players are hurt or sick and we didn't really have anybody to go in for them, but this year we'll have that."

The six new Patriots are outside hitters Casey Gilchrist, Laura Waclawski, Kelly McCarter and Noelle Fanella, middle blocker Kelsey Bohman and libero Katrina Boryc. Below is a quote from Kendrick on each player, and for more biographical information, please click on the individual's name.

Head Coach Pat Kendrick on...

Katrina Boryc: "Katrina is very competitive and comes from a great program, probably one of the best in the country. She is very detailed and works hard and volleyball means a lot to her. We are very happy to have her because she is a really skilled player and is going to bring a lot of consistency to the libero position for us."

Kelsey Bohman: "Kelsey's sister plays at William & Mary and Katrina's sister plays at Georgia State, so both of them are really familiar with the conference. I think Kelsey has got the potential to play multiple positions for us. She primarily plays in the middle but has the potential to play in the outside as well. We're looking forward to having another `slasher' because she is so versatile.

Noelle Fanella: "Noelle comes from the same great club program as Katrina Boryc. She is well-skilled and has gotten a lot better and can play multiple positions. She has very good ball control and will be another good player for us in terms of adding to our depth."

Casey Gilchrist: "Casey came to us a little late in the recruiting process. Primarily we are thinking she might move to a defensive position but all throughout her high school and club career she has been playing on the outside."

Kelly McCarter: "Kelly is a very good athlete, very explosive and is kind of a younger version of [current Mason junior] Rebecca Walter. She's not real big but gets off the ground well, hits a heavy ball, and I think she is going to be a good one for us."

Laura Waclawski: "Laura was on the Mason club team and had approached us about coming out for the team. She practiced with us all last season, and in the spring she worked real hard, got in great shape, and impressed everyone with her work ethic. She will work her tail off and has improved quite a bit. I think she is one of those players that you like giving an opportunity because they work so hard at it."

The Patriots open their season on August 29 at home against Georgetown. The match is set to begin at the Field House at 7 p.m.