Heading into tonight's season opener against Wentworth Institute of Technology, the men's volleyball team will look to build upon last year's successful season, in which the Big Green placed third in the New England Club Volleyball League behind MIT and the University of Vermont.
"This team looks really good," co-Captain Jeremy Longinotti '96 said. "It is the most talented team I've ever played on. At this point in the season they exhibit so much commitment and intensity."
Since men's volleyball is a club sport, Longinotti and co-Captain, Marc Ginsburg '96, are responsible for leading the Big Green on and off the court.
The two captains coach the team, call practices together and lead fundraising efforts that are necessary since the team receives little financial support.
After last weekend's ten hour "Volley-a-thon," which was used to earn money for the upcoming season, the Big Green are optimistic heading into tonight's home game.
"We are skill and depth-laden," Longinotti said. "We have the talent to win the league."
The NECVL is a 40 team club league that draws from schools across the country. Dartmouth plays in the Northeast division of this league.
Depth will be one of Dartmouth's huge advantages over its opponents this season.
"Any guy on this team is talented enough to come off the bench and play," Longinotti said.
The Big Green will be especially strong at the important position of outside hitter. Competing for spots at this position are Longinotti, Matt Streng '98 and newcomer Mark Shuster '99.
These three big hitters, along with the talent of middle hitters Colin Gorman '97 and Shannon Beckering '97 will give the Big Green the flexibility to play in a five-to-one position.
The five-to-one formation is one in which there is five hitters and only one setter. Its strength is its consistency Most teams must forfeit a hitter when the setter is in the front row, but not Dartmouth, Longinotti said.
"Our hitting and chemistry are so strong that we've got guys who will be able to consistently hit from the back while we're in the five-to-one [formation]."
Another players to watch is last year's League Rookie of the Year Hahn Chung '98. Other players include George Braun '99 and Jeff Mar, a medical school student who will play with the team and is, according to Longinotti, "very versatile. He reads the blocks well and hits through them."
Dartmouth also looks solid at the setting position. Returning to this position is last year's setter Andy Schader '98, and Rick Fasani '96 will also move to this position, giving the Big Green depth at that spot also.
Dartmouth will be looking to establish itself quick in league play and will set a season goal to defeat League favorite, the University of New Hampshire.
"UNH is a very solid team," Longinotti said. " They are very consistent and well-coached."
The Big Green will play UNH away late in February.
The Big Green hits the floor at Leede tonight at 8:00 p.m. against Wentworth. Saturday, the team plays another match at home against Northeastern.
