DURHAM, N.H. – The Saint Peter's volleyball team returns to action on Friday when it plays Northeastern at 2 p.m. ET to kick off the Holly Young Invitational at Lundholm Gymnasium. The Peacocks are also set to face off against New Hampshire and Holy Cross on Saturday as part of the tournament.
The Peacocks are bringing back nine returners for the 2025 campaign, including four seniors,
Cleopatra Diakou,
Elena Bilhartz,
Liz Reyes Pagán and
Sydney Kuzma. Between the four, they bring commitment, experience and leadership, which have helped the new-look team gel over the offseason.
Saint Peter's made 10 new additions to the team this year, four of whom are transfers and six of whom are freshmen. The transfer players are
Indira T. Benitez Dumeng (LIU),
Drew Leonardis (Johnson & Wales),
Sibana González Acevedo (LIU) and
Jaizahir Marrero George (St. Thomas Aquinas College).
The incoming freshmen class consists of
Alondra Fargas (setter),
Andrea Rodríguez (setter),
Valeria Torres (middle blocker),
Alicia Valladares (libero/defensive specialist),
Addison Baglio (outside hitter),
Lara Martinez (outside hitter) and
Rebeka Castillo (setter/defensive specialist).
With the additions and the returners that the Peacocks brought back, the Saint Peter's volleyball team is determined for a successful season. The Peacocks open up the year with Northeastern on Friday at 2 p.m. followed by a doubleheader on Saturday with games against New Hampshire at 1 p.m. and Holy Cross at 4 p.m.
ABOUT THE NORTHEASTERN HUSKIES
The Huskies went 10-16 overall in 2024 and finished with an 8-10 record in CAA play. While they boasted an 8-3 mark at home, they also won just one game on the road all season, going 1-11. Northeastern has nine newcomers joining the squad this year, but they will be led by team captains, Ellie Williams, Nadia Koanui and junior Kaylin Daniels.
Northeastern is coached by Brendan McGourn who is in his first season as the head coach of the Huskies.
ABOUT THE UNH WILDCATS
In 2024, the Wildcats went 18-10 overall and 7-3 in the America East. They finished with the second-best regular season record in the conference before going on to win the America East championship. After winning the America East, UNH played in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, where it fell to Arizona State.
New Hampshire is coached by Christopher Feliciano who is in his seventh season as the head coach of the Wildcats.
ABOUT THE HOLY CROSS CRUSADERS
The Crusaders finished with a 2-23 record last season and went 0-16 in the Patriot League, leading to a change at the head coach position. Holy Cross returns seven student-athletes and welcomes 12 newcomers, 10 freshmen, and two transfers to the fold for the 2025 season.
Holy Cross is coached by Matthew Cribbin who is in his first season as the head coach of the Crusaders.
