IMMACULATA, Pa. – Immaculata women's volleyball is days away from the start of the 2025 season, under new head coach Mary Kirchner.

Despite being in her first season, Kirchner is aiming to build the foundation of a championship-caliber team.

"We are a brand-new team with 10 returning players and eight first-year players, and the expectations are high for what we can accomplish together as a team," Kirchner said. "We intend to be the most connected, supportive, and mentally-tough team in the conference, as we establish our championship culture. We know that the winning will follow."

She added that "…excitement is building on social media, in the athletic department, on the team, and in the IU community."

Preseason Overview

The Mighty Macs came in sixth in the Atlantic East Conference preseason poll, registering 18 votes. They look to bounce back from 2024, where they went 3-14 (1-5 AEC).

Immaculata begins the new season on Saturday, August 30 at 11 a.m. with a visit to Penn State Abington. Their home opener is on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. versus Delaware Valley. The Mighty Macs see a few single matches before two late-September tri-matches at King's (Pa.) and Eastern. September ends with a road trip to Rowan.

October opens in Chester, Pa. at Widener and a tri-match at Alvernia. Starting on Oct. 10, the Mighty Macs host six straight home matches. Atlantic East Conference play begins on Saturday, Oct. 18, when the Mighty Macs head to Brooklyn for a matinee with Pratt.

Conference play runs through Saturday, Nov. 8 at Gwynedd Mercy before playoffs commence on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Roster Check

Immaculata has 10 returners on the roster, including four sophomores, three juniors, and three seniors. Mia Esposito and Mel Mann led the team in kills last season with 84 and 70, respectively. Jenna Bozzo was second in assists (114) and digs (63). For blocks, Esposito (22) and Eliana Szatkowski (16) were at the top.

When asked about team leaders, Kirchner mentioned Esposito, Emma Hodgson, Calissa Araujo, and Bozzo.

"We have strong leaders on and off the court," she said. "Mia Esposito is a senior…who was the team's leading scorer last season. She is looking to continue to contribute to the team in kills and blocks. Emma Hodgson, Calissa Araujo, and Jenna Bozzo are the team's captains, who are setting the standards for our culture with their work ethic and energy."

Welcome to the Team

The Mighty Macs are introducing eight first-years to the squad, including liberos Ava Goodfield and Adriana Ventura, middle/outside players Damani Myers, Antonia Antolini, and Kamila Perez Vega, and setters Angelica Santini Bulerin, Emma Thornton, and Adriana Blas. Blas, Perez Vega, and Santini Bulerin all hail from Puerto Rico.

"Damani Myers…is a strong all-around player. [She] came in on the first day of preseason and wowed the team with her offense," Kirchner said. "Adriana Blas is a first-year setter who is smart, accurate, and fast and who can run a quick offense. Adriana Ventura is stepping into the back row as a defensive specialist, and she knows how to take control of the defense. Antonia Antolini…has quickly become a go-to to get the job done on the court with both her blocking and attacking."

Season Outlook

Even with a tough season in 2024, Kirchner said the NCAA Tournament is a short-term goal in 2025.

"A short-term goal is for IUVB to win the conference and go to the NCAA tournament this season," she said. "A long-term goal is to establish Immaculata as a dominant force in the sport of volleyball to the point that the top players start recruiting us and other teams want Immaculata on their schedule."

To see the entire 2025 schedule, click here.

To see the conference press release, click the "AEC Press Release" link.