The Bishop O'Connell volleyball team is in somewhat of a rebuilding mode. O'Connell, coached by Mike Barnett, lost to Paul VI in last season's WCAC championship match, and finished the 2002 campaign with an overall record of 19-4, the best record in school history. This season, the Knights weigh in with an overall record of 7-8 (2-5 WCAC).

After graduating perhaps the finest senior class in O'Connell history, this year’s team is relatively young.

"We did struggle somewhat to open the current season, but we won three matches in a row at the Model School Tournament a couple of weeks ago, and we've improved as of late," said Barnett.

The Knights are led by senior starters Meredith Smith and Caitrin Considine, as well as junior Tara Anderson, Alyssa Aquino, Sarah Gardner and Aji Sanneh.

Key reserves include seniors Lea Burgwald and Monica Fogle, juniors Mary Ann Feeney, Sarah McAlum, Joan Baker, Nina Benedicto and sophomore Gemma Donovan.

Feeney has been injured for a number of matches, but is currently healthy right now.

Meredith Smith and Tara Anderson are the Lady Knight captains.

"Meredith works very hard and she leads the younger girls through example," said Barnett. "Tara is probably our most complete all-around player. Her leadership and abilities are very good."

Anderson, an "outside hitter," leads the squad with 213 "digs" (or passes), 35 "kills" and 32 "aces."

Smith, a "setter", has recorded 30 "aces." Alyssa Aquino, an "outside hitter," has registered 199 "digs." Feeney, a "middle blocker." has recorded 24 "kills" despite missing some matches due to injury.

"We're putting things together right now. My job as a setter is that we're the ones that usually call the plays [for the offense]," said Smith.

"We're starting to hit our stride. The three wins at the Model Tournament helped to turn things around. As an outside hitter it's our job to make the setters look good by placing the ball where the other team can't make a play on it," said Tara Anderson.

"This team has good unity both on and off the court. The girls really support one another. We're starting to get things turned around," said Barnett.