DUDLEY, Mass. (8/19/24) – The Nichols women's volleyball program, fresh off a tie for their winningest season in program history, are set to hit the floor once again in 2024 with improved depth.
The Bison finished the 2023 campaign with a 15-11 overall record, including a 1-7 mark against conference opponents.
In addition to tying a record for most wins in a single season, the Bison also set records for most road wins (7) and consecutive wins (9), while also tying records for winning percentage (.577) and fewest losses (11). The offense was also notable improved last fall, as the team set records for single-season points scored (2,071), hitting percentage (.170) and kills (1,037).
Nichols some key pieces returning to the lineup this season, including graduates
Liz Diorio and
Haylee Granato. Diorio, a two-time Libero of the Week last season, is coming off one of her best campaigns with Nichols, finishing as the top ranked player in the conference in total digs (461) and digs/set average (4.96), while also finishing the season as the program's all-time leader in career digs (1,240). Granato, an outside hitter, returns to the lineup for a graduate season after leading the team in kills (222) last year, which moved her into third all-time with 556 across her career.
Diorio would also garner postseason recognition for her efforts as an CCC All-Conference Second Team (libero) honoree.
The Bison will also be welcoming five new names to the roster this coming season; transfers
Jhudny Pierre,
Carly Chapman,
Elizabeth Mullen and
Hailey Wright, as well as freshman
Gabrielle McKayle. 2024 also marks the first for head coach Andre Foster, who took the reigns of both programs this past January. Other notable returners include senior
Luna Colozzo, as well as juniors
Kya Burdier and
Mairead Frost.
The Bison open their season on the road against Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) on Saturday, August 31
st at Harrington Auditorium. The match is slated for a Noon start.
