Men’s Soccer Preview
The Rhode Island College men’s soccer team, led by standout senior goaltender and team MVP Nick Clark, finished 11-8 (5-2 LEC) last season. The Anchormen qualified for the Little East Conference Tournament for the ninth consecutive season, but fell to second-seeded Keene State in overtime, 3-2, in the semifinal game. The Anchormen recorded double-digit wins for the eighth time in the past 10 seasons.
Clark played in 37, starting 35 of them in net, closing out his two-year career with a 21-13-2 record. The Anchormen will not only have to fill the gaping hole between the pipes, but they will be looking to replace the contributions of their leading goal scorer, forward Bruno Costa, versatile midfielder Hector Espildora Fortuno, speedy forward Mike Patriarca and defensive stalwart Troy Silvia.
RIC head coach John Mello has added four new recruits to the roster with the hope of replacing the departed seniors. Kevin Arboleda is a transfer from the University of Rhode Island and is a very technical player. Alex Caron, an incoming freshman, will have a chance to step into the starting lineup immediately. Calvin D’Oliveira is extremely fast and will be a valuable asset in the lineup, while Nikki Dorbor is a versatile player who will be used in several different positions.
Women’s Soccer Preview
The Rhode Island College women’s soccer team will have a new head coach this fall in Crystal Labossiere, replacing Mike Koperda who resigned after four seasons at the helm.
“I am extremely honored and excited to be named the head coach of the women’s soccer program at my alma mater,” said Labossiere, who has been an assistant coach for the Anchorwomen for the last three seasons.
The Anchorwomen will only have to replace two key players from last year’s roster, captain and team MVP Jenna Childs, and primary goaltender Abygayle Fisher. Childs played in 61 games over the course of her four-year career, starting 55 of them. Fisher compiled a 2-10 record in goal with 122 saves last season. The Anchorwomen struggled last season, finishing with a 2-16 record, and were winless (0-7) in the Little East Conference.
“This upcoming season will be full of changes and new additions,” said Labossiere.
Women’s Tennis Preview
This season the Rhode Island College women’s tennis team has a new look with new head coach in Adam Spring. Spring will have youth on his side with a roster comprised of mainly underclassmen as he begins his first season at the helm. The Anchorwomen struggled last season, finishing with an overall record of 2-14 (2-6 LEC).
The Anchorwomen will be forced to replace captain Gabriela Batek, who closed out her four-year career with a 27-35 record, putting her at 17th all-time in career singles victories. The key returner for RIC will be Little East Conference Rookie of the Year Chelsea Brown, who was the team’s number one singles player last year. Also returning are sophomores Amanda Ferri and Gianna Vallante. Spring hopes that the five incoming freshmen – Sarah Goodwin (Smithfield), Jessica Rieman (Weymouth, M.A.) Sadie Campanelle (Ponaganset), Tressa Cannatta (Cranston West) and Hannah Swanson (Scituate) – will help spark the program’s resurgence and growth.
Women’s Volleyball Preview
Entering her second year as the Rhode Island College women’s volleyball head coach, Elysce Tackmann is feeling confident with her returning players and new recruits. Last season, the Anchorwomen finished 16-13 overall (2-5 LEC). The Anchorwomen dominated at home, with a record of 11-2 at the Murray Center.
Returning to the team for her second stint as team captain is senior Breanna Boyer, along with co-captain Jessica Ho, the team’s top setter.
“Bee has excellent leadership skills on the court, and I expect big things from her this year,” said Tackmann. In addition to four other returning players, the Anchorwomen are adding seven new players.
Lauren Palazzini is a transfer sophomore setter and right side hitter who played in high school for Mount St. Charles. Also from Mount St. Charles is right side hitter Danielle Lippacher. Adriana Ambari is a middle hitter who will help with a quick offense. Alyssa Dias is a defensive specialist and libero; Jasymn Starr is also a libero and will be taking over that role to set the tempo for the defense. Morgan Stewart is a middle and right side hitter, and Victoria Ashley, a junior outside hitter, transferred from Lesley University.
“I am extremely excited going into my second season,” said Tackmann. “I look forward to bringing in our freshman class and getting them acclimated to our system at RIC.”
Men’s Golf Preview
The Rhode Island College men’s golf team is coming off of the most successful season in program history, one in which the Anchormen – led by head coach Greg Gammell and assistant coach Gene St. Pierre – won their first ever Greater Northeast Atlantic Conference title, and advanced to the Division III NCAA Tournament. The entire starting lineup from last season will be returning, including sophomores Ryan Butler and Patrick Ford, junior Tim Leigh and seniors Kyle Harper and Kyle Garcia.
Additionally, the Anchormen have three incoming freshmen that have the potential to compete for a spot in the starting lineup, including Peter Camerlengo, RJ Soares and Eddie Francis. Camerlengo won a U.S. Challenge Cup event at Triggs Memorial Golf Course, the Anchormen’s home course, in high school. With the entire starting lineup intact, the Anchormen are strong contenders to repeat as GNAC champions.
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Preview
Last season, the men’s cross country team finished 27th out of 48 teams in the NCAA N.E. Regionals. With eight returning players and two incoming freshmen, assistant coach Tim Rudd hopes to place higher in regionals, especially with the return of Conor McCloskey, who was the top runner on the team, and finished 67th in the N.E. Regionals.
Unlike the men’s team, the women’s team will have six new faces. Rudd is expecting the team the finish somewhere in the middle of the pack for the Little East Conference. He views the season as a way to build a base for the indoor track and field season in the winter. The team is towards the top of the conference in the winter, and Rudd hopes that a strong cross country season will lead to a strong track season.
