WASHINGTON, Pa. -- The Washington & Jefferson College volleyball program and head coach
Lauren London-Law recently announced the team captains for the 2021 season.
Rising seniors
Ashley Kovel (Everett, Pa./Everett) and
Alexis Tomassini (Gettysburg, Pa./Gettysburg) were designated with the honor for a second straight year. Additionally, juniors
Kyleigh Jester (Ligonier, Pa./Ligonier Valley) and
Claire Sauerland (Hollidaysburg, Pa./Hollidaysburg Area) were named Captains-In-Training.
"We are so excited to have Ashley and Alexis return as team captains for this upcoming season," London-Law said. "Both captains were asked to grow significantly in their roles while we navigated a challenging set of circumstances during this past season and they have proven themselves to be strong, capable leaders. We are looking forward to seeing Lex and Ashley further that growth by leading the team again this fall!"
A three-year member of the team, Kovel has appeared 41 matches for the Presidents. She has totaled 106 kills and 75 total blocks during that time. She totaled 61 blocks and led the PAC in blocks per set as a sophomore in 2019.
Also a three-year member of the squad, Tomassini picked up Second Team honors from the Presidents' Athletic Conference during the spring 2021 season. She led the PAC in service aces (30 and service aces per set (0.56). Tomassini recorded at least 30 assists in eight of 13 matches. She posted a career-high 40 assists at Geneva on March 20. Additionally, Tomassini was named Academic All-District by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Jester has appeared in 23 matches during her first two seasons with the Red and Black. She has totaled 59 kills and 45 total blocks. Sauerland earned All-PAC Honorable Mention recognition this past season after tallying 104 kills, 160 digs and 14 total blocks. She has appeared in 31 career matches during her first two seasons.
The Presidents finished the 2020-21 season with a 7-6 overall record and reached the PAC Tournament Semifinals. The Presidents registered a five-set win over Bethany College in the PAC Quarterfinals to pick up their first postseason win since 2016.
W&J is scheduled to open the 2021 season at home against Hiram College on Wednesday, Sept. 1. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
