WALTHAM, Mass. – Senior Lauren Van Buren (Massapequa Park, N.Y./Massapequa HS) and junior Celia Cristofoli (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson HS) have been named co-captains of the 2016 Bentley University women's volleyball team, coach Joey Pacis announced.

"Kristine (Mickelson, assistant coach) and I are excited to have Lauren and Celia fill the team captain role for our upcoming season after being selected by their teammates," said Pacis. "We expect them to be advocates and examples for their teammates, and to continue the tradition of Bentley volleyball leadership.  We are confident that they will successfully handle the team challenges this season with focus and persistence."

Van Buren is poised for a strong senior year after being hampered by injury during the past three seasons. The outside hitter appeared in 19 matches last fall, averaging 2.35 kills and 2.5 points, numbers that mirror her career norms. In 2014, she was named to the Northeast-10 All-Rookie team.

Cristofoli, a defensive specialist, became a regular in the Bentley rotation last fall as she was one of three Falcons who appeared in each of the team's 100 sets. She led the team in aces (39) and also provided nearly two digs per set.

Bentley opens its season this weekend with four matches down in Fort Lauderdale at the Nova Southeastern University Shark Invitational, beginning Friday at 2 pm against Saint Leo University.