Athletes of the Week: Men’s Volleyball’s Greg Falcone, Women’s Lacrosse’s Anne Versprille

Alex Thomas
Staff Writer

Greg Falcone, Men’s Volleyball

The Springfield College men’s volleyball team has done it again. The squad has successfully defended its Division III national title, winning their second straight this past weekend. The Pride had an unreal amount of talent and depth in their lineup, and truly blew through the league and tournament. It was truly a remarkable feat for the team. Arguably, the face of the program has been star senior Greg Falcone. Falcone ended his career on a high note, winning and stats-wise, as he dominated the tournament.

Q. How good does it feel knowing all of the hard work has paid off again, and that you guys were able to defend that title?
A. Repeating was much, much harder than winning the first championship. We got everybody’s best effort versus us every match, and I think ultimately that helped us succeed during NCAAs. It feels amazing. I have no words to describe it.
Q. Your performance on the big stage was key to the win. How important was it to you to perform like this?
A. My performance was fueled by our amazing serve receive. We were “in system” all day because Pelly [Mike Pelletier], Rikki [Luis Vega], and [Nick] Ferry were doing their job which allowed me to do mine. They really stepped up and gave us complete control of the match.
Q. Is this the best team you have ever played on, and how important was it to have such a deep roster?
A. I can’t compare the three National Championship teams I have been on. Each one of them are extremely special to me in their own way and very talented. I will always remember this team as my most rewarding championship though just because we won on our opponent’s home court in front of all their fans.

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Anne Versprille

The Springfield College women’s lacrosse team finished off their regular season this past weekend with a NEWMAC title. The ladies are off to the NCAA Tournament after a very impressive season that has seen a little bit of everything. The team has gotten solid contributions from everyone, freshmen and seniors alike. With the team moving forward into the tournament, I caught up with goalie Anne Versprille and talked to her about her stellar performance this past weekend, and her thoughts on moving forward.

Q. How does it feel to put in such a great effort in a game which was so important?
A. It was pretty fun to have a good game at an important time. Everyone on the field played so well. It was probably one of the best games we’ve played all year, so we are peaking at the right time for sure. When a team scores only two goals, you know it was a great team game.
Q. How rewarding is it for you individually, and from a team aspect, to know all the hard work that you have put in from day one has panned out and you won the NEWMAC Tournament?
A. Personally, I haven’t stopped smiling since Sunday. We’ve all been working so hard because we knew this is what we wanted, and it’s such a great feeling to have accomplished what we’ve been working for.
Q. Your team is off to the NCAA Tournament. How great does that feel to say, and how excited are you to get things going?
A. It really is an amazing feeling to say we are going to the NCAA Tournament because not many people get to say it or experience it. I am so excited to get started.