Lauren Saylor leads Worcester State

December 2, 2009

By Jason Kenney, Somerset Spectator

Worcester, MA --- When Lauren Saylor was a student at Case High School, she was one of the most versatile volleyball players to ever wear the maroon and gold uniform. Now, four years later, she leaves a similar legacy on the women's volleyball program at Worcester State College.

Serving as the team's outside hitter, Saylor has had an outstanding college career the past four years for the Lady Lancers. She has consistently led her team and the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC), which includes Bridgewater State, Framingham State, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, Mass Maritime, Salem State, Westfield State and Worcester State, in several statistical categories each season.

This year, she led the Lady Lancers with 239 kills, averaging 2.75 kills per game, which as an average was third-best in the MASCAC. Along the way, she reached the 1000-kill milestone on Sept. 26 in a match against conference rival Mass Maritime and will graduate with 1,127 total kills. On defense, she ranked second on the team with 187 digs and amassed 907 over the course of her college career.

As a result of her accomplishments, Saylor received MASCAC "Player of the Week" twice this season for a total of six times in her career. She was also named to the All-MASCAC first team, a nod that she received three out of her four years at Worcester State College.

Worcester State College volleyball coach Bernard Chase said that Saylor has been one of the most outstanding players he's ever coached. He said she is a "leader both on and off the court" and that she's "always willing to try new plays." He also said she has a "great attitude" and he's not surprised by the amount of recognition she's received the past four years.

"Lauren has been recognized as an outstanding outside hitter throughout her high school and college career," he said. "She has adjusted to hitting sets from several different setters throughout her college career. She recognizes what the defense is doing and adjusts to it. She can hit the ball well to all areas of the court."

In reflecting back on the past four years, Saylor said it was a great experience and that she will miss the team.

"I really enjoyed the four years I have played for Worcester State," said Saylor, who was also named MASCAC Rookie of the Year in 2006. "I've learned a lot over the years and I have developed some really great friendships from playing on this team. I am going to miss being on the team next year."

Among her many noteworthy accomplishments, Saylor said she was "happy" when she reached the 1000-kill milestone and never expected to be a leader in several statistical categories.

"I was happy when I reached this milestone because it proves how hard I have worked over the years. I am happy that I have contributed to my team's success," she said. "When I joined the team I was simply happy to be playing college volleyball because I love the sport so much. I was looking forward to four more years of playing and contributing to the team as much as I could."

"Reaching 1000 career kills is an outstanding accomplishment and is not one that is easily reached," added Coach Chase. "It proves she has the ability to kill the ball against many different opponents and defenses. She is an outstanding athlete who can hit any set in our offense and do it with the ability to get a kill."

"Although she did not reach 1000 digs for her career, she is always near the top of the digs statistic for the team every year" he continued. "She is involved in defensive plays as well as offensive plays. She works hard to get the ball to her setter so we can run our offense. She plays defense on the left side and sees many attacks hit her way."

When asked what she likes most about volleyball, Saylor said she loves the intensity of the sport more than anything else.

"I love the thrill of close games and the intensity that is brought to the court. I also love that volleyball is such a team sport and requires the hard work of each and every player on the court. Success is about teamwork and playing together, rather than highlighting one player."

As to the future, Saylor said she is going to pursue a Master's Degree and would like to coach a high school volleyball team someday.

"I am going for my Masters Degree in occupational therapy, so when I graduate in May I will have another year and a half of school left," she said. "However, I loved playing volleyball and know I would love coaching it just as much. I hope to coach a high school team someday."