Aug. 29, 2008

BALTIMORE, MD - Johns Hopkins return all but one player from a squad that made a run to the ECAC South title match a year ago. Under the guidance of Greg Giovanazzi, the Blue Jays will look to improve upon one of the best seasons in program history. Hopkins posted a 25-6 record in 2007 and was picked No. 1 in the 2008 Centennial Conference Preseason Coaches Poll.

Losing only one player to graduation, it won't be a rebuilding year for the Blue Jays. Natalia Fijalkowski, who ranked in the top five in every offensive and defensive category, will leave a starting role up for grabs. Seniors Kim Jackanich, Amanda Lewis and junior Allison Cappelaere will lead the Blue Jays and easily rank among the top trios in the region.

A well-rounded defensive player, Jackanich, a First Team All-Centennial selection, will bring consistency as a solid opposite hitter with her ball control and quality swings. Cappelaere led the team in both kills and digs per game and will assume a leadership role on the court in the hunt for a conference title. She is expected to be a major contributor to the success of the Blue Jays. Cappelaere has seen a lot of time on the court and her experience will be vital.

Lewis enters her fourth season as the primary setter for the Blue Jays. She led the team in assists in each of her three previous seasons and is the only setter in program history to achieve more than 3,800 assists in just three seasons. Lewis earned First Team All-Centennial honor last season after averaging more than 11 assists per game and ranks among the top setters in the nation.

JHU is stacked on the outside with six returning to fill the hole left by Fijalkowski. Brittany Zimmer, K.C. Stingl and newcomer Melissa Cole could all rise to the challenge.

Cole brings height to the Jays and could make an immediate impact with her core skill set and ball control. Cole's powerful swing could pose problems for opponents. Zimmer and Stingl combined to play in 25 matches a year ago and should fight for increased roles.

Sophomores Katie Kings and Taryn Segal with provide more depth on the outside. Each will look to increase their presence on the court this season after appearing in three matchs a year ago.

Freshman Sarah Feicht comes to Hopkins from an impressive club background. Under the tutelage of Lewis, adjusting to collegiate volleyball should be a quick transition. Feicht's experienced touch will provide a solid backup for Lewis. Her height will also add depth at the net.

Junior Kristen Kozielski will give Giovanazzi a third option at setter. Her consistency will mix well with her teammates on the court and she could see more time this season.

Senior Adrienne Young will take the lead in the middle for Hopkins. Young led the team in blocks (75) a year ago. She is the anchor in the middle and will be joined by Alex Zenoff and Abby Wakefield who each carry two years of experience under their belts.

Zenoff was Young's partner in crime at the net a year ago, providing solid support up front in 96 games. Zenoff, who was fourth in kills last season (226), will look to build on her experience and will see more time in the middle. All together, Hopkins has assembled a collection of solid blockers.

The Blue Jays have solid depth in the backcourt this season and will split time between five returners. Jackanich and senior Fiorella Castillo will direct a cast of returners on defense. Alica Diehl returns as a defensive specialist for Hopkins. Rhea Alexander, Katie Buckheit and Sarah Ratzenberger will all see time at the libero position.

The Blue Jays continue the tradition of hosting the Hopkins Invitational to kick off their season on Labor Day weekend. The two-day tournament will feature Goucher, Widener, DeSales and Geneva. The team travels to Gettysburg the following weekend for the Battlefield Classic. Hopkins will face Stevens Tech and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the Ducks Classic in Hoboken, N.J. Stevens Tech, ranked No. 17 in the AVCA Preseason Poll, is the host of the tournament. The Blue Jays will compete in their final non-conference matches at the Carnegie Mellon Crossover in Pittsburgh before playing Muhlenberg in the first Centennial Conference match of the season. Hopkins will host four home conference matches in October. Haverford, Franklin & Marshall, Swarthmore and Washington will all travel to Baltimore to face the Blue Jays. Ursinus will be the final conference match for Hopkins as Bears coem to Golfarb Gym on November 1, followed by the Centennial Conference Tournament.

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