Basic HTML Version
16 2011 Stags Volleyball
2012SeasonPreview
W
hen Alija Pittenger stood at the podium accepting her 2011 Metro
Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Coach of the Year Award, she
looked out over a Fairfield University team that had changed. A
team that was young and unpredictable coming into the year had trans-
formed into a squad that was experienced, motivated, and ready.
The next day, Pittenger guided the Stags to a 3-2 victory over rival Siena
College in the MAAC Championship semifinals. In their first appearance in
the MAAC Championship final in two seasons, Fairfield turned in a gutsy per-
formance but was nipped by three-time defending champion Niagara
University. While it may have been Niagara’s day that crisp November after-
noon, the Stags did not walk away dismayed. For most of the squad, it was
their first taste of MAAC Championship final and the loss left them hungry.
This season, the Stags are poised to continue their upward trend and have
their sights set on a MAAC Championship. Despite losing five student-ath-
letes to graduation, Fairfield returns several key players and has added two
talented freshmen.
Setter Rachel Romansky is back for her junior season after being named
the 2011 MAAC Setter of the Year and earning a spot on the All-MAAC Second
Team. She averaged 10.76 assists and 2.61 digs per set to lead the team
with 15 double-doubles, while posting 41 total blocks and 23 aces. In her
first two seasons, Romansky has appeared in all but one set that Stags have
played and stands fifth all-time at Fairfield with 2,332 assists.
“Rachel had such a great season last year and we know she will only con-
tinue to grow,” Pittenger said. “She has been a crucial part of our team since
stepping in as a freshman. She paces our offense, is tough on defense, and
her competitiveness really drives the team.”
Right side hitter Caitlin Stapleton will look to capitalize on an outstanding
2011 campaign in which she was named the MAAC Rookie of the Year and
to the MAAC All-Rookie Team and the All-MAAC Second Team. The 6-foot-2
native of Milford, Conn., averaged 2.49 kills per set and posted 75 total
blocks. She recorded at least eight kills in 17 of her final 18 matches of the
season, including 13 kills in both matches of the MAAC Championships.
“Coming into last season, we knew Caitlin had a lot of raw talent but, like
any freshman, we weren’t sure how quickly she'd adjust to the collegiate
game,” Pittenger noted. “She adapted quickly and everything clicked for her
on both offense and on the block. We're really excited to see what she can
do this season.”
A former MAAC Rookie of the Year and a three-time All-MAAC Second Team
selection, outside hitter Brianna Dixion will take to the court for her final sea-
son as a Stag. She led Fairfield with 3.14 kills per set (289) to go along with
70 digs and 26 total blocks last year. Dixion enters her senior campaign with
940 career kills.
“Brianna has been a difference-maker for us throughout her entire
career,” Pittenger said. “She’s a gifted athlete who has improved her consis-
tency. We are looking for her to put it all together and have a strong senior
season.”
Pittenger will also look to sophomores Camille Coffey and Marilyn Peizer
Upward Trend
The Stags look to build on 2011 campaign which found them in the MAAC Championship Final