July 11, 2002

The 2002 campaign will be a rebuilding season for the Providence College volleyball team as the Friars lost two of the most prolific players in the College's history to graduation. The 2002 squad is young, but its goal is to continue to improve throughout the season.

Sarah Katinger (Stratford, Conn.) completed her impressive career at Providence as the College's all-time leader in kills (1,767), digs (1,599) and total attacks (4,761). Annie Cella (Burr Ridge, Ill.) also finished her career at PC with impressive credentials. She ranks second all-time in kills (1,433), digs (1,483) and total attacks (4,159).

As Head Coach Margot Royer begins her third season at Providence, she will rely on the veteran leadership and the emergence of the newcomers as the Friars look to continue to improve.

Leading the way for the Friars in 2002 is sophomore middle blocker Ayana Cadres (Los Angeles, Calif.). Cadres made an immediate impact to the Friar squad in her first season at Providence. She finished third on the team with 321 kills and 122 digs. In addition, she led the team in blocks (54) and finished tied for first with 34 service aces while playing in 91 games.

Veteran leadership will come from seniors Sandy Fanning (East Amherst, N.Y.), Susan Fanning (East Amherst, N.Y.) and Daniella Miele (Huntington, N.Y.). Susan Fanning was again the Friars' top assists leader in 2002. She recorded 1,036 assists and added 35 kills and 112 digs. Susan Fanning also moved into fourth place in PC's all-time assists leaders with 2,411 assists.

Outside hitter and defensive specialist Sandy Fanning played in all 91 games in 2002. She recorded career highs of 44 kills and tied for the team lead with 34 service aces. In addition, she recorded 198 digs, which ranked third on the team. Miele is another senior who gained valuable experience as a junior. In 2002, she posted career highs in games played (82), kills (46), service aces (nine), digs (102) and blocks (18).

Junior middle blocker Brigid Collins (Forest Park, Ill.) had a strong sophomore season after playing in just 10 games during her freshman season. In 2002, Collins saw action in 90 games and finished fourth on the team with 55 kills. She also posted 19 digs and finished second on the squad with 28 total blocks. Sophomore Jennifer Backes (Seaford, N.Y.) saw action in 74 games as a back-up setter last season. She posted 27 service aces and 15 digs. Gayle Malachowski (Warwick, R.I.) appeared in only 10 games in her first season at Providence as she battled several injuries. Malachowski is expected to make more of an impact after recovering from her injuries.

Junior Megan St. Ledger (Wilmington, N.C.) rounds out the list of veterans. St. Ledger, who is also a member of the Providence College softball team, appeared in 69 games in 2002. She recorded one kill, two assists and 36 digs while playing at the defensive specialist position.

The Friars welcome four newcomers who will add depth to this season's squad. Rachel Tucker (Burleson, Texas) comes to Providence after a stellar career at Burleson High School. Tucker was named to the All-District team for three seasons and earned All-State honors in 2001 at the setter position. She is expected to see plenty of action for PC in 2002.

Katie Fleming (Cary, N.C.) will make an immediate impact for the Friars this season at the outside hitter position, left open by Katinger and Cella. Fleming was named North Carolina Player of the Year in 2001.

The Friars also welcome senior right-side hitter Stephanie Shoop (Sommerville, N.J.). Shoop enters her first season with the volleyball team after three seasons with the women's basketball team at Providence College. Rounding the list of newcomers is Annie Fiorvanti (Northport, N.Y.). Fiorvanti is an experienced setter from the Long Island Power volleyball club.

Despite having a young team, the Friars are committed to working hard and to improving. The Friars open the season on August 30 as they will play at the St. Louis University Tournament in St. Louis, Mo. The St. Louis Tournament is one of four regular season tournaments that the Friars will participate in during 2002 season. PC also will play in the Stony Brook Tournament, the Robert Morris University Colonial Classic and the Red Flash Invitational at St. Francis, Pa. PC opens its BIG EAST schedule on September 28, hosting Virginia Tech in Providence.