The Maritime Privateers women's volleyball team is looking to return to the Skyline Conference playoffs after a sixth place finish last year with a 10-16 overall record and 4-6 in Skyline. Maritime had never made the playoffs before 2014, but with three trips in the last four years, head coach Michele Murray believes this year's team will continue the upwards trend. 

"Our returning players have been great leaders and working hard to be excellent examples on the court," said Murray. "Two-year captain Meredith Hayes (Houston, Texas/St. Agnes Academy) is ready to lead this group through the regular season and hopefully into the playoffs once more."

The Privateers return six players from the 2017 roster, however, Hayes is the lone upperclassmen on the team as the other five returners are sophomores. A strong group of incoming freshmen will look to compliment the core returning class in the 2018 season. 

Hayes was the second best offensive weapon for Maritime last season, totaling 162 kills at a rate of 2.13 per set as well as an efficient hitting percent at .275. Abby Steele (Crossville, Tenn./Stone Memorial) will be another main weapon for the Privateers offense in the 2018 season after finishing with 106 kills last season. The Privateers also return sophomore setter Erika Kirchner (Meadowmere Park, N.Y./Lawrence) who finish with 577 assists last season.

Defensively, Maritime brings back sophomore libero Abby Solomos (Mt. Sinai, N.Y./Mt. Sinai) who tallied 245 digs last season and will look to anchor the back line once again in 2018.

Newcomers to the roster in the 2018 season include, Kayla Steele, Meghan Eagleton, Rylee Malone, and Celyna Custodio. 

"Coach Shannon Brady (Bayport, N.Y./Bayport-Blue Point) and I are beyond excited for the new talent that has joined the team," said Murray. "We had an intense preseason with our returning players who are equally excited for the new members of our team. Our four freshmen have the knowledge and skill to compete and excel in this conference."

Maritime opens its season on the road at York College Sep. 6 at 7:00 p.m. The Privateers open up at home four days later on Monday, Sep. 10 at 7:00 p.m. against Medgar Evers before beginning Skyline Conference play on Sep. 13 at Yeshiva University. Maritime will also host three tournaments during the season. On Sep. 15 the Privateers play host to Rutgers-Newark and Baruch for a tri-match beginning at 11:00 a.m. The following weekend they host the Maritime Classic on Sep. 21, 22 and 23 with USMMA, Maine Maritime, and Massachusetts Maritime coming to Throggs Neck. The Privateers will then host the final conference tri-match of the season on Oct. 21 with USMMA and Farmingdale St.