The Simmons Volleyball squad is gearing up for their second season under Head Coach Jason Conetta. The Sharks closed out the 2007 season with an 8-14 overall record that featured a young squad with just two returners, and a lot of potential.

The team comes into the 2008 season with a strong recruiting class and the drive to push to the top of the GNAC. "I believe the experience of last year's returners and this year's recruits will make this one of the best years for the Simmons Volleyball program, and hope to make a solid run come playoff time," said Conetta.

Conetta will be looking to his two captains, Jessica Hambleton (Methuen, MA) and Candyce Arena (Brookline, MA) to lead the team toward their season goals.

Returning junior and co-captain Hambleton was a starting outside hitter for the Sharks last season. A tremendous passer in serve receives, and an accurate hitter, she will anchor the offence in 2008.

Returning junior and co-captain Arena led the team in kills (157) in 2007, and was a versatile member of the squad. Arena switched positions on the court throughout the season, finally settling on the outside. She helped hammer home the attack from the outside, and Conetta will look to her again this year for an aggressive offensive front on the court.

The Sharks did not graduate any seniors after the 2007 season ended, and Conetta hopes his young team will be an advantage this season, as his players continue to gel and aggressively pursue their goals as a team.

The incoming freshmen will have a tight-knit group to welcome them to the Simmons Volleyball tradition, and all eagerly await the start of the season. "The Sharks are excited about the future ahead of us as a team," said Conetta.

Volleyball's first match will take place at WPI on Tuesday, September 2 at 7pm.