The 2011 Women's Team and the 2012 Men's Team combined for a history making year for Rivier College. Both teams won the GNAC Championship and went on to represent RIV Nation in the NCAA tournament. The RIV women defeated a senior laden Emerson College team in a gritty 5 set victory to win the programs 4th GNAC Championship while the RIV men swept Emmanuel College 3-0 for their 5th straight GNAC Championship.
Both teams open the eyes of the nation with outstanding NCAA performances. The RIV women battled to a 5 set loss against Skidmore College at the NCAA Regional Tournament at Clarkson University in New York while the RIV Men earned a spot into the Elite 8 in the Inaugural NCAA D 3 National Tournament but came up just short in reaching the National Final 4 with a 5 set loss to UC Santa Cruz.
Both teams enjoyed great success and with that success came much individual recognition as well. Here are the combined individual accomplishments for both teams:
GNAC 1st Team
Chris Convertito, L, Sr, Trumbull CT
Steve Visentin, Setter, Jr, Cheshire CT
Aaron Almario, MH, So, Alhambra CA
Chris Markuson, OH, Fr, Cupertino CA
Kenna Finlayson, OH, Jr, Derry NH
GNAC 2nd Team
Nicole Peacock, MH, So, Warwick RI
GNAC 3rd Team
Drew Corwin, OH, Sr, Framingham MA
Alex Xenidis, MH, Sr, Shelton CT
Emiliegh Cenedella, OH/L, Sr, Townsend MA
GNAC Player of the Year
Chris Markuson, OH, Fr, Cupertino CA
Kenna Finlayson, OH, Jr, Derry NH
GNAC Rookie of the Year
Chris Markuson, OH, Fr, Cupertino CA
GNAC Defensive Player of the Year
Chris Convertito, L, Sr, Trumbull, CT
Player of Week (national or regional, not GNAC POW)
Kenna Finlayson - ECAC Player of the Week
GNAC All Tournament Team
Chris Convertito, L, Sr, Trumbull CT
Drew Corwin, OH, Sr, Framingham MA
Nicole Peacock, MH, So, Warwick RI
Nicole Boucher, MH, So, Windham NH
GNAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Steve Visentin, Setter, Jr, Cheshire CT
Kenna Finlayson, OH, Jr, Derry NH
All-America
Men – Aaron Almario, MH, So, Alhambra CA (2nd Team)
All-New England
Women – Kenna Finlayson, OH, Jr, Derry NH (2nd Team)
Phenominal year for all involved with Rivier volleyball!!!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Former Townie is Latest To Play Volleyball For Rivier College
Former All-Stater Jessica Amaral has been an inspiration to her siblings and players at East Providence High School.
By Neil Nachbar
By Neil Nachbar
Following a stellar high school volleyball career at East Providence High School, Jessica Amaral became one of the top college prospects in the state. She was named First-Team All-State, and she led the Townies to the Division I state finals in her senior year in 2009.
Amaral decided to continue her career at Rivier College, becoming the latest in a line of East Providence players to attend the small Catholicschool in Nashua, NH.
“Besides looking at Rivier College, I was also looking at other schools that recruited me for volleyball, as well as schools in Florida that had my major,” Amaral said. “Playing volleyball was definitely something I wanted to experience in college, and after my recruiting trip to Rivier, I knew that it was exactly the type of institution I wanted.”
Previous players from East Providence’s girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams whose careers flourished at Rivier include sisters Kori and Lindsay Chace, their brother Andy Chace and Zack Stedman. Kori was the conference Player of the Year in 2007, Lindsey played on conference championship teams in 2007 and 2008, Andy was a three-time All-American and conference Player of the Year in 2006 and Stedman was the conference Player of the Year for the New England section in 2005.
“All of the players we’ve had from East Providence have had a great base of skills and knowledge for volleyball; they have all been very athletic and really worked hard at their game,” said Craig Kolek, head coach of the Rivier men’s and women’s volleyball teams and associate athletic director.
Another trait the former Townies share is leadership. They all served as captains during their careers.
Just as Andy Chace was instrumental in Stedman attending Rivier, the Chace sisters played a major role in introducing the college to Amaral.
“The Chaces brought me up to Nashua to watch the 2010 Rivier team play against the alumni team,” recalled Amaral. “That night I bonded with the team. All of the girls were so welcoming to me, which really drove my decision to enroll at Rivier.”
Kolek followed Amaral’s accomplishments in high school and was impressed with her development.
“I recruited Jess a pretty good amount,” said Kolek. “She has a solid volleyball background from her dad, and you could tell she was ahead of the curve compared to other players her age. Her great ball control and scrappiness on defense really stood out.”
Amaral’s father, Paul, has been the athletic director at East Providence High since 2006. He has been involved in volleyball as a player, a coach and an official for many years. He also met his wife, Gloria, through volleyball.
“My wife and I always encouraged our four kids to participate in sports and healthy activities,” Amaral said. “We would often bump the volleyball around at our house.”
When Paul began coaching in the developmental program of the Coastal Volleyball Club in New Bedford, he got Jessica and his other children involved.
Jessica remembers playing with the volleyball at home with her family as early as age 4 and playing for her father’s club team in New Bedford for the first time as an 8-year-old.
“My father has played a huge role in my development as a volleyball player, as well as my mother,” said Amaral. “Throughout the years, one of my family members and I would just pepper with each other, because it was something simple and fun to do.”
As a seventh-grader, Amaral started attending the summer volleyball camp at the high school, run by Luis Cavalho, who was the head coach at the time. Her progress while in middle school enabled her to play on the varsity team as a ninth-grader.
“We were very proud of Jessica playing on varsity as a freshman, especially seeing her play in the championship match,” said Paul. “That was special. Not too many kids get a chance to do that.”
High school coach recalls leadership
Current Townies coach Alex Butler worked closely with Amaral for most of her high school career after Carvalho retired. He recalled how vital she was to the team’s success.
“Jessica was the backbone of the Townie defense,” Butler said. “As the libero, all of the communication in the back row went through her. Jess took the role and ran with it.”
Amaral also made an impact from the service line.
“Many people didn’t realize how much Jessica’s serve was a valuable weapon,” added Butler. “She served in the state finals as a freshman and the pressure didn’t even faze her. Her float serve was lethal for our team.”
With all of the physical skills needed to play at the next level, the biggest challenge Amaral has faced at Rivier is adjusting to the mental aspect of the game.
“I was terrified the first time I played in a college game,” admitted Amaral, who also plays lacrosse at Rivier. “I was excited and nervous at the same time, so it took me a few games to get into my comfort zone.”
Some of Amaral’s nerves were a result of the pressure she places on herself to play at a high level.
“Jessica is such a competitor that she wants everything to be perfect,” said Kolek. “Adjusting her thinking to, it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you rebound from them, has been something she has needed to work on.”
College coach sees bright future
Amaral is the backup libero for the Raiders, but Kolek envisions her playing a much larger role down the road.
“I expect her to be our full-time libero next season,” predicted Kolek. “She has a ton of potential and I expect her to keep getting better. Jess easily could be the defensive player of the year for our conference her junior and senior seasons.”
For now, Amaral is focused on improving her passing and defense so she can help her team when she’s called upon.
“As the season unfolds, I envision my confidence growing on the court,” Amaral said. “I’m trying to improve my serve receive and at least get a touch on the ball when it’s about to hit the floor.”
Regardless of whether she’s on the court or the sidelines, Amaral has been a supportive teammate and positive influence.
“She has a charismatic personality, which makes it easy for the other players to like her,” Kolek said. “She’s a great teammate and is very easy to coach.”
Amaral’s family has made the hour and a half drive from East Providence to see her play for Rivier a few times. Of course, when the Raiders play in Rhode Island, it’s a must-see event for her family.
“I think my family is very proud of me,” Amaral. “It is difficult to keep up with your studies, play two sports and do work study. Hopefully I have set a good example for my siblings, and maybe inspire them to be college student-athletes in the upcoming years.”
Amaral has not only been an inspiration to her siblings, but also her former teammates.
“Jess left a big mark on this program,” Butler said. “The younger kids who she played with look up to her, and the next crop of players will hear about her as they move through the program. I have playersright now trying to reach her level.”
Amaral decided to continue her career at Rivier College, becoming the latest in a line of East Providence players to attend the small Catholicschool in Nashua, NH.
“Besides looking at Rivier College, I was also looking at other schools that recruited me for volleyball, as well as schools in Florida that had my major,” Amaral said. “Playing volleyball was definitely something I wanted to experience in college, and after my recruiting trip to Rivier, I knew that it was exactly the type of institution I wanted.”
Previous players from East Providence’s girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams whose careers flourished at Rivier include sisters Kori and Lindsay Chace, their brother Andy Chace and Zack Stedman. Kori was the conference Player of the Year in 2007, Lindsey played on conference championship teams in 2007 and 2008, Andy was a three-time All-American and conference Player of the Year in 2006 and Stedman was the conference Player of the Year for the New England section in 2005.
“All of the players we’ve had from East Providence have had a great base of skills and knowledge for volleyball; they have all been very athletic and really worked hard at their game,” said Craig Kolek, head coach of the Rivier men’s and women’s volleyball teams and associate athletic director.
Another trait the former Townies share is leadership. They all served as captains during their careers.
Just as Andy Chace was instrumental in Stedman attending Rivier, the Chace sisters played a major role in introducing the college to Amaral.
“The Chaces brought me up to Nashua to watch the 2010 Rivier team play against the alumni team,” recalled Amaral. “That night I bonded with the team. All of the girls were so welcoming to me, which really drove my decision to enroll at Rivier.”
Kolek followed Amaral’s accomplishments in high school and was impressed with her development.
“I recruited Jess a pretty good amount,” said Kolek. “She has a solid volleyball background from her dad, and you could tell she was ahead of the curve compared to other players her age. Her great ball control and scrappiness on defense really stood out.”
Amaral’s father, Paul, has been the athletic director at East Providence High since 2006. He has been involved in volleyball as a player, a coach and an official for many years. He also met his wife, Gloria, through volleyball.
“My wife and I always encouraged our four kids to participate in sports and healthy activities,” Amaral said. “We would often bump the volleyball around at our house.”
When Paul began coaching in the developmental program of the Coastal Volleyball Club in New Bedford, he got Jessica and his other children involved.
Jessica remembers playing with the volleyball at home with her family as early as age 4 and playing for her father’s club team in New Bedford for the first time as an 8-year-old.
“My father has played a huge role in my development as a volleyball player, as well as my mother,” said Amaral. “Throughout the years, one of my family members and I would just pepper with each other, because it was something simple and fun to do.”
As a seventh-grader, Amaral started attending the summer volleyball camp at the high school, run by Luis Cavalho, who was the head coach at the time. Her progress while in middle school enabled her to play on the varsity team as a ninth-grader.
“We were very proud of Jessica playing on varsity as a freshman, especially seeing her play in the championship match,” said Paul. “That was special. Not too many kids get a chance to do that.”
High school coach recalls leadership
Current Townies coach Alex Butler worked closely with Amaral for most of her high school career after Carvalho retired. He recalled how vital she was to the team’s success.
“Jessica was the backbone of the Townie defense,” Butler said. “As the libero, all of the communication in the back row went through her. Jess took the role and ran with it.”
Amaral also made an impact from the service line.
“Many people didn’t realize how much Jessica’s serve was a valuable weapon,” added Butler. “She served in the state finals as a freshman and the pressure didn’t even faze her. Her float serve was lethal for our team.”
With all of the physical skills needed to play at the next level, the biggest challenge Amaral has faced at Rivier is adjusting to the mental aspect of the game.
“I was terrified the first time I played in a college game,” admitted Amaral, who also plays lacrosse at Rivier. “I was excited and nervous at the same time, so it took me a few games to get into my comfort zone.”
Some of Amaral’s nerves were a result of the pressure she places on herself to play at a high level.
“Jessica is such a competitor that she wants everything to be perfect,” said Kolek. “Adjusting her thinking to, it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you rebound from them, has been something she has needed to work on.”
College coach sees bright future
Amaral is the backup libero for the Raiders, but Kolek envisions her playing a much larger role down the road.
“I expect her to be our full-time libero next season,” predicted Kolek. “She has a ton of potential and I expect her to keep getting better. Jess easily could be the defensive player of the year for our conference her junior and senior seasons.”
For now, Amaral is focused on improving her passing and defense so she can help her team when she’s called upon.
“As the season unfolds, I envision my confidence growing on the court,” Amaral said. “I’m trying to improve my serve receive and at least get a touch on the ball when it’s about to hit the floor.”
Regardless of whether she’s on the court or the sidelines, Amaral has been a supportive teammate and positive influence.
“She has a charismatic personality, which makes it easy for the other players to like her,” Kolek said. “She’s a great teammate and is very easy to coach.”
Amaral’s family has made the hour and a half drive from East Providence to see her play for Rivier a few times. Of course, when the Raiders play in Rhode Island, it’s a must-see event for her family.
“I think my family is very proud of me,” Amaral. “It is difficult to keep up with your studies, play two sports and do work study. Hopefully I have set a good example for my siblings, and maybe inspire them to be college student-athletes in the upcoming years.”
Amaral has not only been an inspiration to her siblings, but also her former teammates.
“Jess left a big mark on this program,” Butler said. “The younger kids who she played with look up to her, and the next crop of players will hear about her as they move through the program. I have playersright now trying to reach her level.”
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Viva La RIV Beach
After a year off for reconstruction the RIV Beach Fest returned last Sunday without skipping a beat. The Fest is an annual gathering of Rivier alumni and Rivier friends for a day of great ball and fun on RIV Beach. The 4 man pick your partners format allows for players to play with people they might not have been able to play with before as all teams are drawn blindly. It also allows for different generation alumni to play with or against each other as well. This year it was an awesome 70 degree sunny day with the grill cooking and the music playing while friends and family battled it out on the new sands of RIV Beach. $300 was donated by the participants to Rivier Volleyball. Thanks to all who played or hung out for the day!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
RIV BEACH TIME
Now that the warm weather is here RIV Beach is officially up and running. As advertised it's one of the pearls of New England. Net is up, lines are down, and balls are flying so make sure you take a day or two to come out and play some ball on the best collegiate sand court in New England.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
FAMILY
RIV Nation enjoyed yet another successful Volleyball Alumni / Family Weekend this past weekend. On Friday night the current RIV Squad remained undefeated in conference play with a 3-1 win over rival Emmanuel College.
On Saturday a lunch was held with over 100 male and female volleyball alumni, friends, current players and family members. Lindsay Chace ('10) and Don Ferguson ('00) were guest speakers for the event. The lunch ended with Coach Kolek and Coach Martin presenting to the alumni a "Champions Chalice". The Chalice has engraved on it all 15 of the Raiders men's and women's volleyball championships with plenty of room for current and future RIV squads to add onto.
Finally the weekend ended with a men's alumni match in which the current RIV squad defeated the alum's 4-1. The alumni team featured for the first time together All American middle hitters Andy Chace ('06) and Matt Ferreira ('10) along with conference player of the year setters Nhut Chau ('06) and Zach Hansen ('10). Also participating in the match was Ferguson, Gabe Howard ('04), Jeff Costa ('05), Javier Laureano ('06), Billy Werner ('06), Kurt Monaco ('06), Mike Bucarrelli ('06), Greg Stanton ('06), Kevin Harrington ('07), Justin Andreozzi ('07), Scott Wright ('09), and Kyle O'Neill ('10).
Monday, December 6, 2010
Some Things Just Don't Get Old
The Annual Boston University Volleyball Tournament was held this past weekend and once again more than 250 players left the tournament shaking their heads and another loss under their belts to the Big RIV Machine. This year it was a RIV Alumni Team that turned back the hands of time and swept through the tournament for yet another RIV Tourney win. Rivier class of '06 teammates Javier Laureano, Jason Conetta, and Kurt Monaco joined up with Jeff Costa ('05) and class of '10 members Zach Hansen, Matt Ferreira, and Kyle O'Neill to run rough house over such schools as BC, UNH, BU, UConn, URI, Yale, Syracuse, Columbia, Georgetown, and Emmanuel. The old timers went 12-2 on the 2 day tourney and added to the theory that the BU Invitational should be renamed as the RIV Invitational.
Also doing well in the tournament was another RIV Alum team (Lost boys) with Greg Stanton ('06), Nhut Chau ('06), Justin Andreozzi ('07), and Scottie Wright ('09) as the core members. The group finished up 5th in the tourney and was knocked out by the RIV Alumni Squad mentioned above.
The current RIV team held their own as well picking up a Silver Medal finish going 12-1 in the tournament and their only loss was to the RIV Alum Lost Boys team.
In a strange twist to the tourney, some may say a RIV conspiracy to hold out having an all RIV Championship match, the current RIV squad had to square off in the Gold play-in match to the RIV Alum Lost Boys team and then the winner of that match would face the Rivier Alumni team in the quarter-finals of the Gold Bracket. No doubt any of those 2 matches should have been the Championship match.
Congrats to all 31 RIV players involved in the tourney!!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
RIV BEACH COMPLETE
The new and improved RIV Beach is done and ready to be used for the spring of 2011!!! This is the premier beach court in New Hampshire and quite possibly in all of New England.
This RIV showpiece is tournament quality and comes complete with:
Silky soft Toronto sand 16 inches deep - same sand shipped across the world for FIVB events
Built in drainage under the court to let the water flow and decrease the packing of the sand
Multi-height net - for easy adjustments from higher than men, to women, and below juniors height
8 feet of play outside of the court lines
Blue border for safety between sand and grass
Enclosed side areas by fences or buildings for short shagging
Grassy areas around the court for viewing comfort
North to South court configuration for less direct sun glare
Bring on the warm weather!!!
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