HARTFORD, Conn. —  The Trinity College volleyball team, coached by Jen Bowman (20th Season), travels local foe St. Joseph (Conn.) for its season opener on Tuesday, September 5 at 6 p.m. Ryan Kenny (1st season) joins the sideline this season as an assistant coach. The Bantams are guided by a pair of senior attackers with Lola Craig (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Margaret McCarthy (San Diego, Calif.), who were among the top of the kill leader charts last season with 199 and 104, respectively.

"We are focused on continuing our upward trend from last season and getting better with each match," Bowman said. "So far this season I have seen the most competitive practice gym in my career at Trinity; both because of the depth of our roster and the added impact of Ryan's knowledge.  Having played overseas professionally, his insights and perspectives really build on the momentum of this program.  And the returners came back strong, and the new players are having a positive influence."

The Navy & Gold returns a large junior class of seven, including offensive weapon Eva Lekovic (San Marino, Calif.), who posted 156 kills and a .204 hitting percentage and fellow kill leader Ava Boloyan (American Canyon, Calif.) who landed 111. Trinity returns its primary setters with Caroline Howell (Houston, Texas) averaging 5.21 assists per set and Grace Sullivan (Fort Worth, Texas) with 3.29, while Emma Shorten (Redding, Conn.) rounds out the setter group. Middle blocker Bella Caffuzzi (Brooklyn, N.Y.) will continue to dominate as a defensive threat following a strong sophomore year with 49 blocks, 98 kills and 267 attacks. The Bantams have more depth than ever in the middle with Morgan Clapp(New Cannan, Conn.), Chloe Gentile (Melrose, Mass.) and Grace Soltis (Newtown, Conn.) all vying for time.

Following a strong rookie performance, pin attacker Maggie Barnes (Fayetteville, N.C.) notched 43 kills and 135 attacks last season, with a career-high eight kills at home against Eastern Connecticut State University on September 9. Incoming transfer Ellie Gordon (The Villages, Fla.) and second-year Bantam Sarai Davis (Fairburn, Ga.) will all contribute to the team this season. Trinity boasts a strong libero rotation with veterans Julia Torre (Cape Elizabeth, Maine) and Kaila Dowd (Kennesaw, Ga.) and newcomers Scarlett Jago (Allentown, Pa.) and Bella Nash (Manhattan Beach, Calif.). The foursome will all see time and keep the team fresh and competitive for the 2023 season.