BOSTON, Mass. - Simmons College volleyball is looking to change the tempo this year. First-year Head Coach Dani Soubliere is looking to push the offense and her players are more than happy to oblige. The squad boasts a front line with good size and a back row that can dig out some tough swings. Although the Sharks have a large number of newcomers, their rookie class is very strong and ready to step in and contribute right away.

HITTERS 

Simmons has one of the youngest front lines in the region with a pair of sophomores and two freshmen, who should make an immediate impact in the starting lineup. The Sharks will also enjoy the service of their top hitter from a year ago as well. Simmons will look to take advantage of its depth up front and attack teams from the middle. One of the keys for the Sharks will be the ability of their young players to run a quality up-tempo style of play.

Tri-Captain Nicole Alberghini (Northborough, Mass.) returns to the fold and will see action primarily from the right side. The junior led Simmons with 235 kills in 124 sets last year, while owning a .143 attack percentage and will also see time on the outside. She has great court awareness from the front row with a knack for finding open spots to score. The five-foot, eight-inch hitter deceptively plays taller than her size at the net. Sophomore transfer Cailin Fredrickson (Columbia, Md.) was a part of University of Massachusetts Boston's NCAA Tournament team last year and brings great experience with her to the Fenway. She averaged 1.13 kills per set to go with a .155 hitting mark last season and will see action at both right and outside for the Sharks. She's a good blocker with a very high volleyball IQ and will add to the highly competitive culture on this year's squad. First year Sarah Woodward (Deerfield, Mass.) will be a key on the offense for Simmons as an outside hitter. She's an aggressive player, who is always looking to put the ball away and fits really well within the offense this season. She's also very athletic at the net. First year Amber Peterson (Las Vegas, Nev.) is very consistent and will look for time on the outside. She has excellent court awareness and is great at placing her shots and makes good decisions.

Simmons volleyball should be strong in the middle as well, thanks to a formidable pair of six-footers. Sophomore Abby Hart (Westfield, Mass.) is a gifted blocker who led the team with 45 total rejections last year to go with just under a kill per set. She will look to contribute more offensively with an aggressive style of play and a quick arm swing. First year Emmee Ashby (Payson, Ariz.) is one of four players from the West Coast on the squad and should be a major player for the Sharks right away. The Arizona native should thrive in the team's up-tempo offense and will push her teammates with her will to win. She's very effective in the middle and has a fast arm swing as a part of her aggressive style of play. The rookie is also a quality blocker in the middle. 

SETTER

Simmons is fortunate to have a pair of quality setters, who both have the ability to start for the Sharks. 

Sophomore Andalyn Duke (Litchfield Park, Ariz.) saw the bulk of the time as the team's setter last year, averaging 4.7 assists per set, while firing 32 aces in 114 sets. The Tri-Captain swung for a .129 hitting rate and came up with 1.87 digs per set. The second-year player has good hands and her height should also be an advantage. She runs the offense well and should be a leader on the court. First year Morgan Westine (Ansonia, Conn.) could also start for Simmons. She runs the fast-tempo offense really well and is a consistent presence on the floor. She has shown great improvement and is hungry for crucial minutes on the court.

DEFENSE/LIBERO

The back row's ability to keep the ball in play could be their trademark in 2014. Anchored by a Great Northeast Athletic Conference All-Conference performer and experienced players, the Sharks' defense will definitely be counted upon to keep them in matches.

Sophomore libero Alex Itasaka (Bradford, Mass.) burst onto the scene last year with a team-high 445 digs to rank fifth among GNAC leaders, while firing 27 aces in 124 sets. A Tri-Captain, Itasaka never gives up and goes after every ball and was recognized by the GNAC being named a Third Team All-Conference selection last year. Her work ethic on the court inspires her teammates, while her instincts allow her to get to balls that seemed destined for the floor. Chanel Thomas (Phoenix, Ariz.) is full of energy and will vie for the bulk of time at defensive specialist for the Sharks. She is outstanding on serve receptions and reads the ball well. The junior should push her teammates on the court. Sophomore Kat Guillotte (New Bedford, Mass.) gives Simmons another quality option in the back row. She was one of three players to see action in all 124 set last year and has experience at both libero and defensive specialist, where she will see most of her time this year. She makes great reads on the ball and is an excellent passer. She has great court awareness and ranked second on the team last year with 347 digs. First year Susan Wilson (Winchester, Mass.) is a versatile player, who can play either at the net or in the back row. She works really hard and will see the majority of her minutes in the back. Classmate Kayla Padroff, is a scrappy player who picks up a lot of balls in play and will vie for time off the bench as a defensive specialist.