Western New England College
Women's Volleyball News

Western New England College Fall Sports Banquet
Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004
List of Award Recipients

Women's Volleyball
Most Valuable Player - Freshman Ashley O'Keefe (South Dennis, MA)
Unsung Hero Award - Senior Ashleigh Smarrella (Sandy Hook, CT)
Most Improved Player - Sophomore Teddy Woeppel (Cooperstown, NY)

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE FRESHMAN ASHLEY O'KEEFE NAMED GNAC ROOKIE-OF-THE-YEAR

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College freshman Ashley O'Keefe (South Dennis, MA) has been selected the 2004 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Rookie-of-the-Year.

O'Keefe, a 5'11" middle hitter, also was named to the All-GNAC First Team after leading the Golden Bears in hitting percentage (.347), solo blocks (81), and total blocks (187).

Senior setter Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT) and sophomore outside hitter Amy Lorinovich (Hampstead, NH) made the All-GNAC Second Team.

Signor led the team in assists (729) while Lorinovich was first in kills (302). She was a three-time All-GNAC Second Team honoree. Lorinovich made the All-GNAC Third team as a rookie.

O'Keefe and Signor are sport management majors while Lorinovich is a marketing/advertising major.

Western New England College posted a 20-15 record for its sixth straight winning season and third straight 20-win campaign. The Golden Bears also placed third in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with an 8-2 mark.

Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004
(GNAC Tournament - Semifinals)
Johnson & Wales 3, WNEC 0

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2004
(GNAC Tournament - Quarterfinals)
WNEC 3, Suffolk 0

WNEC IN THE GNAC STATISTICS (through Oct. 31)

Hitting Percentage
Ashley O'Keefe - 3rd- .347

Assists
Mandee Signor - 2nd - 9.72 avg. (729 in 75 games)

Blocks
Ashley O'Keefe - 1st - 1.73 avg. (170 in 98 games)
Teddy Woeppel - 2nd - 1.53 avg. (127 in 83 games)

Digs
Erin Dearing - 3rd - 3.53 avg. (342 in 97 games)

Kills
Amy Lorinovich - 4th - 3.22 (277 in 86 games)
Kim Bezio - 5th - 3.21 avg. (244 in 76 games)

WNEC
Blocks - 1st - 4.09 avg. (474 in 116 games)
Kills - 2nd - 13.33 avg. (1546 in 116 games)
Hitting Percentage - 2nd - .255
Assists - 4th - 10.46 avg. (1213 in 116 games)
Digs - 4th - 13.33 avg, (1546 in 116 games)

JESSICA CATE AND ASHLEY O'KEEFE RECEIVE WEEKLY GNAC AWARDS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College senior Jessica Cate (Ocean Grove, NJ) was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Player-of-the-Week on Monday (Nov. 1).

Cate, a psychology major, compiled 21 kills in victories over conference opponents Albertus Magnus College and Daniel Webster College on "Senior Day."

Freshman Ashley O'Keefe (South Dennis, MA) was named the GNAC Rookie-of-the-Week. A sport management major, O'Keefe stepped into the starting setter role against Eastern Connecticut State University and came through with 48 assists and eight blocks in the 3-2 road victory.

The Golden Bears (19-14) finished third in the conference during the regular season with an 8-2 mark.

Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004
Albertus Magnus 3, Daniel Webster 1
WNEC 3, Daniel Webster 0
WNEC 3, Albertus Magnus 0

Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004
WNEC 3, Eastern Connecticut 2

Saturday, Oct. 23, 2004
Johnson & Wales 3, WNEC 2

Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004
Framingham State 3, WNEC 1

Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004
Emmanuel 3, WNEC 1

Saturday, Oct. 16, 2004
Wheaton 3, WNEC 1
Endicott 3, WNEC 0

Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004
Rhode Island College 3, WNEC 0

FRESHMAN ASHLEY O'KEEFE NAMED WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Freshman Ashley O'Keefe (Dennis, MA) was honored Tuesday (Oct. 12) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

O'Keefe, a middle hitter, compiled 47 kills, 24 blocks, 11 assists, seven digs, and six aces in five matches to earn a spot on the Eastern Connecticut Crabtree Classic All-Tournament Team.

With O'Keefe leading the way, the Golden Bears won three of five matches at the event to finish third among eight schools.

O'Keefe leads the squad in hitting percentage (.350), kills (209), and blocks (115). She is a sport management major. WNEC (16-8) leads the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with a 6-0 mark.

Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004
Eastern Connecticut Crabtree Classic (Willimantic, Conn.)
WNEC 3, Lasell 1
WNEC 3, Babson 0
Johnson & Wales 3, WNEC 2

Friday, Oct. 8, 2004
Eastern Connecticut Crabtree Classic (Willimantic, Conn.)
WNEC 3, Salve Regina 0
Emmanuel 3, WNEC 0

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004
WNEC 3, Simmons 0

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004
WNEC 3, Rivier 2

Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004
Trinity 3, WNEC 0

Saturday, Sept. 25, 2004
WNEC 3, St. Joseph (Conn.) 1
Suffolk 3, St. Joseph (Conn.) 1
WNEC 3, Suffolk 0

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004
Connecticut College 3, WNEC 0

Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004
WNEC 3, Emerson 1
WNEC 3, Southern Vermont 0

Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004
WNEC 3, MCLA 1

Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004
WNEC 3, Newbury 0

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004
WNEC Invitational
Plymouth State 3, MCLA 0
Amherst 3, Westfield State 0
Plymouth State 3, Framingham State 0
Amherst 3, WNEC 0
Westfield State 3, MCLA 0
(Fifth Place match)
WNEC 3, Framingham State 1
(Third Place match)
Amherst 3, Plymouth State 2 (Championship match)

Friday, Sept. 10, 2004
WNEC Invitational
WNEC 3, MCLA 0
Framingham State 3, Westfield State 1
Plymouth State 3, WNEC 0
Amherst 3, Framingham State 0

Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2004
WNEC 3, Westfield State 0

CASEY KASENETZ HONORED AS THE WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Sophomore Casey Kasenetz (Torrington, CT) was honored Tuesday (Sept. 7) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Kasenetz, an outside hitter, was named to the Plymouth (NH) Best Inn Invitational All-Tournament Team after compiling a team high .363 hitting percentage with 42 kills and 10 digs in four matches.

A biology major, she had 13 kills against both Johnson & Wales University and Lasell College.

Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004
WNEC 3, Mount Ida 0
Plymouth State 3, WNEC 0
WNEC 3, Lasell 2

Friday, Sept. 3, 2004
Johnson & Wales 3, WNEC 1

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE SETS SIGHTS ON ANOTHER WINNING SEASON IN 2004

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — After three straight 20-win campaigns, Western New England College women's volleyball team again hopes to rank among the top squads in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) this season.

The Golden Bears open their campaign September 3-4 at the Plymouth State College Tournament in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

Last year WNEC posted a 20-13 record for its fifth consecutive winning season. The Golden Bears tied for third place in the conference during the regular season with a 9-2 mark and advanced to the semifinals of the GNAC tournament for the fourth straight year.

Western New England College will be led by All-GNAC performers, seniors Erin Dearing (Wilbraham, MA) and Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT), and sophomore Amy Lorinovich (Hampstead, NH).

Dearing led the squad in kills (298) and was second in digs (229) while Signor ranked first in assists (1,076) and service aces (78). Lorinovich was second in kills (257). Dearing, Signor, and Lorinovich also made the All-GNAC Team.

Dearing, Signor, and classmate Jen Kuehl (Middleton, NH) will serve as the team tri-captains.

Among the other players to watch are senior Casey Kasenetz (Torrington, CT), juniors Corey Alexander (Walpole, MA) and Jessica Vogel (Tonawanda, NY), and sophomore Teddy Woeppel (Cooperstown, NY).

Top freshmen include Ashley O'Keefe (South Dennis, MA), Kim Bezio (Plattsburgh, NY), Becky Cardin (Hudson, NH), and Kayte Devine (New Fairfield, CT).

" I am excited about this year's squad," says coach Greg Poole who is in his eighth year. "We have very strong leadership from our senior class. Mix that leadership with the exceptional skills of our first-year players, and we'll be hard to beat this year."

Western New England College
Fall Sports Banquet
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003
List of Award Recipients

Women's Volleyball
Most Valuable Player - Junior Erin Dearing (Wilbraham, MA)
Unsung Hero Award - Junior Jenn Kuehl (Middleton, NH)
Most Improved Player - Freshman Teddy Woeppel (Cooperstown, NY)

THREE GOLDEN BEARS GAIN ALL-GNAC RECOGNITION

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Three members of the Western New England College women's volleyball team were named to the 2003 All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Team on Wednesday (Nov. 12).

Junior outside hitter Erin Dearing (Wilbraham, MA) and junior setter Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT) made the All-GNAC second team while freshman outside hitter Amy Lorinovich (Hampstead, NH) was voted to the All-GNAC third squad. Dearing and Signor served as two of the team's tri-captains this fall.

Dearing led the Golden Bears in kills (298), and was second in digs (229) and third in service aces (50). She is t he daughter of Springfield College women's volleyball coach Joel Dearing. Signor led the squad in hitting percentage (.335), assists (1076), and service aces (78). Lorinovich had a successful rookie season finishing second in hitting percentage (.245) and kills (257).

Western New England College posted a 20-13 record, which was one victory shy of the school record for wins set last year. The Golden Bears also placed third in the conference during the regular season with a 9-2 mark and advanced to the semifinals of the GNAC Tournament.

Coach Greg Poole recorded his 100th all-time victory against Emerson College in a quarterfinal round match of the GNAC Tournament.

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003
Rivier 3, WNEC 0
(GNAC Tournament - Semifinals)

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003
WNEC 3, Emerson 0 (30-27, 30-25, 30-20)
(GNAC Tournament - Quarterfinals)

Coach Greg Poole's 100th career victory

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003
WNEC 3, Daniel Webster 0 (30-9, 30-29, 30-14)

WNEC 3, Albertus Magnus 0 (30-13, 30-20, 30-25)

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2003
Rhode Island College 3, WNEC 2 (30-25, 21-30, 32-30, 27-30, 15-11)

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003
WNEC 3, Johnson & Wales 1 (22-30, 30-25, 30-27, 30-19)

Johnson & Wales 3, Pine Manor 0 (30-17, 30-18, 30-19)

WNEC 3, Pine Manor 0 (30-16, 30-14, 30-15)

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003
WNEC 3, Framingham State 1

AMY LORINOVICH HONORED AS THE WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK AND GNAC ROOKIE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Freshman Amy Lorinovich (Hampstead, NH) was honored Tuesday (Oct. 21) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week and Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Rookie-of-the-Week.

An outside hitter, Lorinovich compiled 55 kills in a 2-2 week, including 13 kills off the bench in a 3-2 victory over Eastern Connecticut State University, which was the first win ever for the Golden Bears over the Warriors in 15 meetings. Lorinovich is a marketing advertising/communications major.

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003
Golden Bear Classic

Championship - Colby-Sawyer 3, Rivier 0 (30-23, 30-22, 30-26)

MVP - Anne Coulter (Colby-Sawyer)

All-Tournament Team - Kathy Couture (Colby-Sawyer), Danielle Rogers (Rivier), Kelsey Walton (Univ. of New England), Mandee Signor (WNEC), Anna Stopper (Emerson), Angela Lavoje (Lasell)

Third-Place - Univ. of New England 3, WNEC 0 (30-18, 30-20, 30-22)

Fifth-Place - Emerson 3, Lasell 1 (30-24, 30-20, 25-30, 30-22)

Other Scores

WNEC 3, Lasell 0 (30-17, 30-27, 33-31)

Emerson 3, Univ. of New England 0 (30-8, 30-18, 30-28)

Colby-Sawyer 3, Lasell 0 (30-20, 30-18, 30-20)

Rivier 3, Univ. of New England 1 (30-24, 28-30, 30-27, 30-23)

Rivier 3, Emerson 0 (30-20, 30-14, 30-28)

Colby-Sawyer 3, WNEC 1 (29-31, 30-27, 30-20, 30-25)

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003
WNEC 3, ECSU 2

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2003
Emmanuel 3, WNEC 0

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003
FDU-Fordham 3, WNEC 0
Hartwick 3, WNEC 2

Friday, Oct. 10, 2003
WNEC 3, Russell Sage 1

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003
WNEC 3, Simmons 0

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2003
Rivier 3, WNEC 0

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003
WNEC 3, Massachusetts College 0

TRI-CAPTAIN KATIE HABERNIG NAMED GNAC PLAYER-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College senior tri-captain Katie Habernig (Kingston, NY) was honored Tuesday (Sept. 30) as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Player-of-the-Week.

Habernig, a psychology major, led the Golden Bears to a 4-0 week and a share of first place in the conference by compiling 40 kills, six digs, and two blocks in 13 games.

Saturday, September 27, 2003
WNEC 3, Suffolk 1
WNEC 3, St. Joseph (Conn.) 1

Wednesday, September 24, 2003
WNEC 3, Connecticut College 2

MANDEE SIGNOR HONORED AS THE WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Volleyball tri-captain Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT) was honored Tuesday (Sept. 23) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Signor, a junior setter, had 45 assists with seven aces and four blocks in victories over Emerson College and Southern Vermont College. A sport management major, she leads the squad in both assists (267) and aces (32).

Tuesday, September 23, 2003
WNEC 3, Mount Ida 1

Saturday, September 20, 2003
WNEC 3, Emerson 0
WNEC 3, Southern Vermont 0

JUNIOR MANDEE SINGOR NAMED TO WNEC INVITATIONAL ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College junior Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT) was named to the WNEC Invitational All-Tournament Team on September 13. A sport management major, Signor had 113 assists, 25 digs, 17 aces, and six blocks in four matches to help the Golden Bears finish fourth in the eight-team field.

Saturday, September 13, 2003
WNEC Invitational

Championship Match
Amherst 3, Westfield State 0 (30-12, 30-14, 30-19)

3rd Place Match
Plymouth State 3, WNEC 0 (30-16, 30-22, 30-20)

5th Place Match
Framingham State 3, Massachusetts College 1 (30-27, 30-20, 32-34, 30-23)

7th Place Match
St. Joseph Conn. def. Pine Manor (forfeit)

Massachusetts College 3, Pine Manor 0 (30-20, 30-9, 30-18)

WNEC 3, Framingham State 1 (30-24, 22-30, 30-20, 30-16)

Amherst 3, Plymouth State 1 (30-19, 30-10, 21-30, 30-28)

Westfield State 3, St. Joseph, Conn. 2 (30-22, 30-20, 19-30, 28-30, 15-6)

All Tournament Team
Kristin Quinn (Amherst), Leah Schmidt (Westfield State), Carin LaValley (Plymouth State), Mandee Signor (WNEC), Christine Iannalfo (Framingham), Caroline Smith (MCLA), Dejshona George (St. Joseph), Megan Goss (Pine Manor)

Most Valuable Player - Annie Hoeksma (Amherst)

Friday, September 12, 2003
WNEC Invitational

Westfield State 3, WNEC 2 (30-24, 30-23, 26-30, 20-30, 15-8)

Framingham State 3, St. Joseph, Conn. 1 (30-16, 30-26, 25-30, 30-19)

WNEC 3, St. Joseph, Conn. 0 (30-14, 33-31, 30-27)

Plymouth State 3, Pine Manor 0 (30-4, 30-9, 30-19)

Amherst 3, Massachusetts College 0 (30-3, 30-6, 30-11)

Westfield State 3, Framingham State 2 (30-24, 30-23, 29-31, 19-30, 15-11)

Plymouth State 3, Massachusetts College 0 (30-12, 30-12, 30-20)

Amherst 3, Pine Manor 0 (30-8, 30-8, 30-14)

Tuesday, September 9, 2003
WNEC 3, Westfield State 2

JUNIOR CASEY KASENETZ GAINS VOLLEYBALL HONOR AT SUPER 8 INVITATIONAL

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College junior Casey Kasenetz (Torrington, NY) was named to the Plymouth State Super 8 Invitational All-Tournament Team on September 7. A biology major, Kasenetz had 24 kills with 16 digs, six service aces, and five blocks in three matches.

Saturday, September 6, 2003
Super 8 Invitational (Plymouth, NH)
Johnson & Wales 3, WNEC 2
Bridgewater State 3, WNEC 0

Friday, September 5, 2003
Super 8 Invitational (Plymouth, NH)
Plymouth State 3, WNEC 0

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE LOOKS TO CONTINUE WINNING WAYS IN 2003

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Fresh off a record-breaking season, Western New England College women's volleyball team hopes to continue its winning ways in 2003 with 12 returning letter-winners. The Golden Bears open their campaign September 5-6 at the Plymouth State College Tournament.

WNEC posted a 21-13 record last fall that was a school record for wins and the program's fourth consecutive winning season. The Golden Bears also tied for first place in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) during the regular season and advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament for the third straight year.

The top performer was outside hitter Brenda Post (Groton, CT) who became the first person in school history to receive GNAC Player-of-the-Year honors. A three-year All-GNAC selection, she led the squad in hitting percentage (.337), kills (425), and service aces (130). Post also set 11 school records, including career kills (1,224).

"Although Brenda graduated, we start the new season with excitement, anticipation, and high expectations for another great year," says seventh-year coach Greg Poole.

The only senior on the team is outside hitter Katie Habernig (Kingston, NY) who will serve as a team captain with junior outside hitter Erin Dearing (Wilbraham, MA) and junior setter Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT). Signor led the Golden Bears in assists and was an All-GNAC selection.

Junior middle blocker Jenn Kuehl (Middleton, NH) is another player to watch this season.

Top freshmen include middle blockers Kathryn Keyes (Wilbraham, MA), Amanda Martin (Ludlow, MA), and Teddy Woeppel (Cooperstown, NY), and outside hitter Amy Lorinovich (Pinkerton, NH).

"We have 14 new players and while that may seem like too many players, we have a strong junior varsity program, so there is a spot for everyone on our rosters," noted Poole.

Western New England College Fall Sports Banquet
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002
List of Award Recipients

Women's Volleyball
Most Valuable Player — Senior Brenda Post (Groton, CT).
Unsung Hero — Senior Sarah Lerz (Wolcott, CT).
Most Improved Player — Senior Nicole Holquin (Springfield, MA).

BRENDA POST ENJOYS RECORD-BREAKING SEASON

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 19, 2002) — Western New England College women's volleyball co-captain Brenda Post of Groton, Connecticut enjoyed a record-breaking season this fall after receiving several major awards.

Post, a senior outside hitter, was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Player-of-the-Year on November 13, the first person in school history to win this prestigious award. She ended her career by becoming the first Golden Bears player invited to participate in the New England Women's Volleyball Association (NEWVA) Senior All-Star Classic.

Earlier in the year, Post reached a milestone when she became the first Western New England College performer to pass the coveted 1,000 mark in career kills. She accomplished her feat October 5 in a 3-1 victory over Rivier College in the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

The Golden Bears ranked among the most improved teams in New England in 2002 and Post was the key player in the team's success. WNEC posted a 21-13 record for its fourth consecutive winning season, establishing a school record for wins (breaking the old mark of 19 set last year). The Golden Bears also tied for first place during the regular season in the conference with a 10-1 mark and advanced to the semifinals of the GNAC Tournament.

Post led the team in hitting percentage (.337), kills (425), and service aces (130). She set 11 school records, including career kills (1,224). Post also was named to the All-GNAC Team for the third straight year and was selected to All-Tournament teams at the GNAC, Plymouth State, Springfield Tom Hay, and WNEC Invitational.

"Plain and simple, Brenda was the first legitimate go-to person we have ever had," said fifth-year Western New England College coach Greg Poole. "She is a tremendous source of energy, whether it be in the huddle, in practice, during a match, rehabilitating her knee, or having the team over for dinner and a movie. Brenda puts all of herself into whatever she is doing.

"Reaching 1,000 kills was a tremendous milestone for her. She has set a standard of excellence for current and future WNEC volleyball players to strive for. Brenda improved each season she played here and she has much to be proud of when looking back on her career," Poole stated.

A history major, Post made an immediate impact when she arrived at the College helping the team to a 13-7 record her rookie season that was the program's first winning campaign in a number of years.

However, she suffered a serious knee injury midway through the season that required surgery, but she bounced back to lead the Golden Bears to a 16-14 mark her sophomore season and 19-14 record in 2001.

Like all great athletes, Post is a team player that enjoys strong competition.

"I love playing volleyball and the feeling I get when I play Ð I can't describe it," she says. "It is such an adrenaline rush stepping onto the floor.

"My first year at the College I was so nervous, but my coaches and teammates made me feel welcomed. When I tore the ACL, I was devastated, but did physical therapy for nine months and came back even stronger. This year, all my teammates made my senior a special one. I certainly couldn't have accomplished 1,000 kills if it wasn't for all my teammates who gave me passes and sets."

Post also credits her family for much of her success.

"My family has played a major role in my life," she points out. "My parents attended all of my volleyball, basketball, and softball games when I was in high school (Fitch High School), and they have always been there for me. My older brother Greg pushed me athletically, and we used to compete all the time when we were little."

While at Western New England College, Post has served as secretary of the Historical Society and was a Peer Advisor last year. She also was a member of the Student Athletic Committee for two years and the Captains Council, and even found time to play intramural softball.

After she graduates in May, Post would like to become a full-time teacher.

Her future students will be getting a quality person.

SENIOR CO-CAPTAIN BRENDA POST NAMED GNAC PLAYER-OF-THE-YEAR

Mandee Signor also gains All-GNAC recognition

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Nov. 13, 2002) — Western New England College senior co-captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT) was honored Wednesday (Nov. 13) as the 2002 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Player-of-the-Year.

Post, who also was named to the All-GNAC first team, is the first player in school history to gain this prestigious award.

A history major, Post will etch her name in the school record book Sunday (Nov. 17) when she becomes the first Golden Bears' player to participate in the New England Women's Volleyball Association (NEWVA) Senior All-Star Classic at Clark University in Worcester.

Post enjoyed a spectacular season leading the team in hitting percentage (.337), kills (425), and service aces (130). She also became the school's first player to reach 1,000 kills, finishing with 1,224 kills in 113 career matches.

During the year, Post was named to the All-Tournament teams at the GNAC, Plymouth State, Springfield Tom Hay, and WNEC Invitationals. She holds 11 school records.

WNEC sophomore setter Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT) was selected to the All-GNAC second team. A sport management major, she led the Golden Bears in assists (968) and was second in hitting percentage (.279). Signor also was third on the squad in service aces (82).

Western New England posted a 21-13 record this fall, which set a school record for wins in a season (breaking the old mark of 19 set last year). The Golden Bears also tied for first place during the regular season in the GNAC with a 10-1 mark and advanced to the semifinals of the GNAC Tournament.

2002 Great Northeast Atlantic Conference (GNAC) Standings

1. tie among Rivier 10-1 (19-7), Johnson & Wales 10-1 (22-12), and Western New England 10-1 (21-13), 4. Emmanuel 8-3 (18-11), 5. Suffolk 7-4 (13-19), 6. St. Joseph, Conn. 6-5 (6-14), 7. Emerson 5-6 (9-9), 8. tie among Albertus Magnus 3-8 (5-10), Simmons 3-8 (3-10), and Southern Vermont 3-8 (6-11), 11. Daniel Webster 1-10 (2-11), 12. Pine Manor 0-11 (1-22). (Overall record in parenthesis.)

November 5 — GNAC Tournament (quarterfinals)
Rivier 3, Albertus Magnus 0 (30-6, 30-26, 30-12)
Johnson & Wales 3, Emerson 0 (30-17, 30-14, 30-14)
WNEC 3, St. Joseph, Conn. 0 (30-16, 30-19, 30-18)
Emmanuel 3, Suffolk 1 (30-17, 27-30, 30-20, 30-19)

November 7 — GNAC Tournament (semifinals)
Rivier 3, Emmanuel 0 (28-30, 11-30, 23-30)
Johnson & Wales 3, WNEC 0 (30-22, 30-19, 30-25)

November 9 — GNAC Tournament (final)
Johnson & Wales 3, Rivier 1 (30-22, 30-28, 33-35, 30-21)

GNAC Tournament (semifinals)
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2002
Johnson & Wales 3, WNEC 0

GNAC Tournament (quarterfinals)
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2002
WNEC 3, St. Joseph (Conn.) 0

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002
WNEC 3, Albertus Magnus 0
WNEC 3, Daniel Webster 0

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002
Rhode Island College 3, WNEC 1

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002
WNEC 3, Pine Manor 0
Johnson & Wales 3, WNEC 0

Thursday, Oct. 24, 2002
WNEC 3, Framingham State 0

BRENDA POST GAINS GNAC PLAYER-OF-THE-WEEK HONORS

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Oct. 21, 2002) — Western New England College senior co-captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT) was honored Monday as the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Women's Volleyball Player-of-the-Week. Post, a history major, had 41 kills, 13 digs, eight aces, and five blocks in four matches, including 24 kills against Emmanuel College. WNEC has a 16-10 record and is first in the conference with a perfect 7-0 mark.

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2002
WNEC 3, Emmanuel 1
WNEC 3, Elms 0

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002
Eastern Connecticut 3, WNEC 0

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002
WNEC 3, Becker 0

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2002
Springfield Tom Hay invitational
Springfield 3, WNEC 0
Keene State 3, WNEC 1
Clark 3, WNEC 1

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002
WNEC 3, Simmons 2

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002
Trinity 3, WNEC 1

BRENDA POST SELECTED AS THE WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Volleyball co-captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT — Fitch High School) was honored Tuesday (Oct. 8) as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Post, a senior, became the first player in school history to pass the 1,000-kill mark when she had 18 kills in a 3-1 victory over Rivier College. The win gave Western New England College a 12-5 record and moved the Golden Bears into first place in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) with a 5-0 mark.

A history major, Post leads the team in hitting percentage (.339) and kills (212).

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002
WNEC 3, Rivier 1

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Senior co-captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT) became the first player in school history to pass 1,000 kills as Western New England College moved into first place in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference with an exciting 3-1 victory over visiting Rivier College.

The game scores were 30-28, 30-27, 27-30, and 30-27.

Post finished with 18 kills in raising her career total to 1,011. She also added six service aces for the Golden Bears who improved their record to 12-5 overall and 5-0 in he conference. WNEC has won its seven consecutive matches.

"This was quite unexpected because I didn't think I would make it," said Post.

Sophomore Erin Dearing (Wilbraham, MA) played a key role in the victory with 13 kills. She had the winning shots in the first two games and a kill that broke a 27-27 tie in the final game.

Sophomore Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT) contributed 34 assists.

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2002
WNEC 3, Mass. College 2

Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002
WNEC 3, St. Joseph (Conn.) 1
WNEC 3, Suffolk 1

SOPHOMORE MANDEE SIGNOR SELECTED AS THE WNEC FEMALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 24, 2002) — Women's volleyball player Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT — East Haven High School) was honored Tuesday as the Western New England College Female Athlete-of-the-Week.

Signor, a sophomore setter, compiled 74 assists and 10 service aces in a 2-1 week. She had 32 assists and 12 digs vs. Emerson College, and six aces against Southern Vermont College. Signor is a sport management majors.

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2002
WNEC 3, Mount Ida 0

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002
WNEC 3, Southern Vermont 0
WNEC 3, Emerson 0

BRENDA POST NAMED TO WNEC ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Sept. 17, 2002) — WNEC senior women's volleyball captain Brenda Post (Groton, CT) was named to the WNEC Invitational All-Tournament Team. She leads the Golden Bears in hitting percentage (.290) and kills (99), and is second in service aces (27) through nine matches.

Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2002
Bridgewater State 3, WNEC 0

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002
WNEC 3, Westfield State 0
Plymouth State 3, WNEC 0

(The Golden Bears placed second among six teams at the WNEC Invitational)

Friday, Sept. 13, 2002
WNEC 3, St. Joseph, Conn. 0
WNEC 3, Massachusetts College 1

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2002
WNEC 3, Westfield State 0

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002
Johnson & Wales 3, WNEC 2

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002
WNEC 3, Pine Manor 0

Friday, Sept. 6, 2002
Plymouth State 3, WNEC 0

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002
Bridgeport 3, WNEC 1

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS NATIONALLY-RANKED

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Feb. 25, 2002) — Western New England College's freshman setter Mandee Signor (East Haven, CT) was ranked 11th in service aces (1.18 avg.) and junior opposite hitter Sarah Lerz (Wolcott, CT) 16th (1.06) in the final NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball statistics released February 18. WNEC (19-14) was third nationally in service aces (5.38) and ninth in hitting percentage (.281).

JILL LUBY AND BRENDA POST NAMED TO 2001 ALL-GNAC SECOND TEAM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College senior setter Jill Luby (Newark Valley, NY) and junior outside hitter Brenda Post (Groton, CT) were named to the 2001 All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Second Team.

Post, a history major, led the Golden Bears in hitting percentage (.351) and kills (371), and was third in service aces (111). She was a All-GNAC First Team selection in 2000.

Luby, a sport management major, was the team leader in digs (395), and second in both hitting percentage (.311) and kills (271). This was the third consecutive season that Luby made the All-Conference Second Team.

Luby and Post served as team tri-captains with junior opposite hitter Sarah Lerz (Wolcott, CT) as the Golden Bears set a school record with 19 victories against 14 losses this fall for its third straight winning season. WNEC also placed third in the GNAC with an 8-3 mark and advanced to the semifinals of the conference tournament.

WOMEN'S JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM COMPILES 5-5 RECORD IN INAUGURAL SEASON

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Congratulations to the 2001 Western New England College junior varsity women's volleyball team who posted a 5-5 record in its inaugural season. Former WNEC captain Susie Seganos '01 served as the head coach.

Coaching Staff | Roster | Schedule
Statistics | News | Home | Athletics Home