Hempstead, NY – Hofstra University Head Volleyball Coach Emily Mansur proudly announced today that Laura Masciullo, Nanishka Perez and Michela Rucli have been named captains for the 2017 Hofstra Volleyball team. 

"I am thrilled with the leadership abilities of Laura, Nanishka and Michela," commented Mansur. "All three have showcased amazing leadership capabilities both on and off the court and I look forward to them leading us throughout this upcoming season."

Masciullo, a native of La Spezia, Italy, is a sophomore outside hitter and is coming off a spectacular freshman season in which she 389 kills and 178 digs en route to earning Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Year honors. 

Now a junior, Perez hails from Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, and has been one of the Pride's most consistent players during her career. Last season she totaled 252 kills, 204 digs, 47 blocks and 24 service aces. 

An All-CAA Second Team selection a season ago, Rucli is a junior middle blocker from Remanzacco, Italy. Last season she posted 265 kills and led Hofstra with 119 blocks and a CAA-leading .358 attack percentage. 

Hofstra opens the 2017 campaign on Friday when it heads to the Fairfield Inn and Suites Cavalier Classic at the University of Virginia. The Pride will face Virginia on Friday at 7 p.m. before taking on Villanova (10 a.m.) and Liberty (4:30 p.m.) on Saturday.