As the Roadrunner volleyball team puts the finishing touches on a record-breaking season, head coach Rebecca Pierson has relied on two key players who have proven to be the foundation of her program.
Since they arrived at RCSJ, sophomore setter Dominique Marcano and sophomore libero Katie Burrichter have elevated the team to a level not seen in school history. The Roadrunners started off unbeaten in their first 13 matches and hold the No. 8 spot in the recent NJCAA Division III National Rankings, a first for the school. They will play their final home game this Fall on Saturday against Passaic County in a 1 pm start.
Marcano and Burrichter know each other well, playing together on their youth and grammar school clubs. They each went on to enjoy standout high school careers – Burrichter at Our Lady of Mercy Academy and Marcano at GCIT – before reuniting at RCSJ. And, as Pierson points out, when they arrived in the Fall of 2019, the duo immediately provided experience and talent to the roster.
"They were already proven players who had been together for a long time," Pierson noted. "Dominique (Marcano) and Katie (Burrichter) have meant so much to our success. They have been our leaders, our best players and even our best recruiters. While we've been going through the pandemic, they really stepped up to talk to their teammates and convince many of them to return this season!"
The presence of Burrichter and Marcano made an immediate impact. In Fall 2019, the Roadrunners registered a 13-5 overall record while sharing the Garden State Athletic Conference crown. That season, the Runners advanced to the Region XIX District 1 championship vs. Raritan Valley. In Spring 2021, the duo led the team to a 7-2 overall record.
From a performance standpoint, Marcano and Burrichter have indeed been clutch players. Both earned All-Region XIX honors in 2019 and are enjoying solid 2021 campaigns. This Fall Burrichter has collected 173 digs, 42 points, and 39 service aces in 13 matches. Marcano has chipped in with 86 total attacks, 231 assists, 15 kills, 51 1/2 points, and 81 digs.
Marcano credits the coaching staff – Head Coach Pierson and Assistants Danielle and Kyle Honey – for the program's success.
"They work us hard and have helped all of us improve our skill levels," said Marcano, a Business Administration major. "The coaches have always stressed that we work hard and improve our skills, and that's made the difference."
And Pierson hopes her squad will complete their magnificent Fall 2021 campaign on a winning note as the playoff season arrives – and she knows she will need to rely on Burrichter and Marcano to lead the way.
"I have no doubt that Katie and Dominique will play important roles and continue to be the leaders they have been," said Pierson.