College Volleyball
Rider Wraps Up Successful Spring
Looks Toward the Fall of 2013
LAWRENCEVILLE—The 2012-13 academic year closed out well for the Rider University volleyball team both in the gym and in the classroom.
After saying goodbye to the graduating seniors, Haley Wilson, Brittany Gajewski and Stephanie Nagy, the senior class walked away with awards for their academic achievements. Both Wilson and Gajewski were honored by Rider's Education Department, receiving Certificates of Excellence for Special Education (Wilson) and Social Studies Education (Gajewski) and all three recently graduated Magna Cum Laude.
“The academic accomplishments of our senior class are a truly amazing send off for three special and talented young ladies who meant so much to the Rider volleyball family,” said head coach Christopher Feliciano.
In addition, sophomore Rachel Jensen continued her strong academic work off the court and in the classroom and was recently awarded the Virginia J. Cyrus Scholarship.
The Virginia J. Cyrus Scholarship was established in honor of the founding director of the Women's Studies Program and recognizes students who show academic promise of excellence and show potential to improve the status of women through scholarship and/or activism.
During the spring season, the volleyball team saw substantial growth from the entire roster both on the court and in the weight room. “It was very rewarding to see this group focused for the 2013 season as they put in the time on and off the court with one common goal in place, changing the culture of the program,” Feliciano added.
That effort paid off as the Broncs closed out the offseason at the La Salle University Spring Tournament. Rider faced Lafayette College, Fairleigh Dickinson, Princeton University and the host Explorers, compiling a 7-1 record.
“While each team presented unique challenges, each time we rose to the occasion,” Feliciano said. “Overall we won seven of eight matches, only dropping one to Princeton who finished with a 187 RPI ranking in the NCAA in 2012,” Feliciano said. “These are all positive steps as we continue to rebuild the program for a great University. By far everyone improved this spring but I have to tip my cap to Rachel Jensen who was voted by the coaching staff as most improved.”
Rider opens the 2013 season at the Tulane tournament August 30-31 with the Broncs opening the home portion of the schedule on September 11 with a 7pm non-conference match against La Salle in Alumni Gymnasium.
The Broncs return 12 letterwinners for the 2013 season.
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