Fact Sheet
The Rowan University women’s volleyball team looks to pick up where it left off last season. In 2008, the Profs posted a 16-18 overall record and a 5-3 mark in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The Profs finished the year strong by reaching the semifinals of the NJAC Championship Tournament.
“I think we are a more competitive team this season,” said head coach Libby Ranero. “Our upper classman have showed excellent leadership and hold everyone accountable. The newcomers are continually seeking to improve and want to win. We have a much better attitude this year.”
Reigning NJAC Defensive Player of the Year Casey Roselle (jr. Sparta, NJ/Sparta) leads the defensive unit. A libero, she received NJAC All-Conference honorable mention. Roselle led the team and conference with 578 digs (5.12 digs per game). She also registered 22 service aces. Veteran Sarah Betancourt (so. Harrington Park, NJ/Northern Valley Old Tappan) and newcomer Sophia Camargo (fr. Barnegat, NJ/Barnegat) will see playing time at defensive specialist.
“Roselle is solid on defense,” stated Ranero. “She makes a difference every time she touches the ball. Roselle is reliable and brings intensity to the team. She keeps us focused defensively. Betancourt is more confident and consistent this year. She has matured and will be strong for us in the backcourt. Camargo is very athletic. She has all the basic tools with quickness and disciplined mechanics. Camargo has a love of the sport and never lets up on the court.”
Setter Chrissy McKay (sr. Paramus, NJ/Paramus) returns for her senior year. She was Rowan’s assist leader with 750 (6.52 assists per game). McKay also tallied 326 digs, 28 service aces and 12 blocks. She will be backed up by Mandy Mallinder (fr. Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) and Betancourt.
“It is McKay’s fourth year running the team as the setter,” continued Ranero. “She has a sense of maturity in the position. With her experience and knowledge she should be a calmer leader on the court. McKay’s leadership will make a difference with the younger players. Mallinder is a solid backup at setter. She comes from a strong high school program at Cherokee. Mallinder is quick in transition which strengthens the offense. She makes good decisions and with experience, will see more playing time.”
“This year’s captains are McKay and Roselle,” said Ranero. “They are very team oriented. Both players are supportive of their teammates and put the team concept first. McKay and Roselle are responsible and push themselves to be better. They are great captains in every sense.”
Chelsea Bowman (sr. Penns Grove, NJ/Park Bible Academy) and Kelsey Hegel (sr. Wanaque, NJ/Lakeland Reg.) return at middle blocker. Rookies Megan Mondelli (fr. Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) and Katie Havlicek (fr. Midland Park, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) will join her up front. Bowman compiled 207 kills (1.80 kpg) and 41 blocks in her first year with the Profs. Mondelli collected All-County and All-Conference first team honors her senior season of high school.
“Bowman gives the team much needed size and power,” remarked Ranero. “She makes a huge difference for us at the net both offensively and defensively. Mondelli was one of the top high school players in the state. She will see time at the opposite and middle hitter positions. Mondelli is a powerhouse and plays with a lot of intensity. She is quick, strong and an all-around solid player.”
Playing at outside hitter are returnee Rachel Emig (so. Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) and rookies Seana Henigan (fr. Newark, DE/Delaware Military Academy) and Havlicek. Emig and Henigan will both see time at the opposite position as well. Henigan earned All-Conference third team and Senior All-Star honors in high school.
“Rachel has matured since the spring and is showing more confidence,” commented Ranero. “She will see a lot more playing time this season and her versatility will allow us to use her anywhere on the court. Henigan shows the most potential on the team. She has only played volleyball for a few years, but she is extremely coachable and learns quickly. Henigan will improve by leaps and bounds. She also shows a lot of versatility. Havlicek plays loose and relaxed. Along with her composure, she has a quick arm swing and power. Havlicek’s lean body and long limbs are prototypical of a volleyball player. She shows a lot of hustle and is a gifted athlete.”
This season, Rowan will see tough non-conference competition from Goucher College, York College (PA) and Susquehanna University. The Profs travel to Goucher on September 16. York will once again host the Spartan Invitational on September 25-26. Susquehanna set a school mark for win with a 27-13 record. Rowan will visit Susquehanna at the Hampton Inn Crusader Classic Invitational on October 9-10.
In the NJAC Preseason Coaches Poll, Ramapo College (17-16 overall, 6-2 NJAC) was selected to finish first. Defending conference champion Richard Stockton College (29-9 overall, 8-0 NJAC) was second, followed by Montclair State University (16-15 overall, 6-2 NJAC), third. Rowan was chosen fourth, while William Paterson University (20-8 overall, 3-5 NJAC) was fifth. Rutgers-Camden (8-14 overall, 1-7 NJAC), sixth, was named the dark horse. New Jersey City University (14-11 overall, 5-3 NJAC), Rutgers-Newark (3-28 overall, 1-7 NJAC) and Kean University (7-17 overall, 1-7 NJAC) were ranked seventh, eighth and ninth respectively.
“We need to stay healthy this year,” commented Ranero. “We must maintain our drive and focus and can’t relax down the stretch. Keeping our confidence high and believing in our potential will take us a long way.”
Rowan opens the season at Immaculata University on Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m.