WALTHAM, Mass. – Junior middle blocker Rachel Bruno (San Diego, Calif./Frances Parker HS) and senior setter Krista Campbell (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North HS) have been named the captains of the 2018 Bentley University women's  volleyball team, head coach Joey Pacis announced.

Campbell, the team's only senior, has appeared in 66 matches over the last three seasons, including 46 as the Falcons' starting setter. She has averaged 8.0 assists during her career and will enter this season with 1,480 assists, needing 132 to move into tenth on the program's all-time list.

Last fall, Campbell started 12 of 30 matches for the Falcons and averaged 9.89 kills, 2.30 digs, 0.45 blocks and 0.32 aces. Bentley was 9-3 in her dozen starts and her season-highs included 39 assists (vs. Southern New Hampshire and Assumption), 12 digs (at American International) and four aces (vs. Georgian Court).

"We're excited that Krista was selected to be one of the team leaders this season," said Pacis, who is in his fifth season at the helm after succeeding Bentley's late Hall of Fame coach, Sandy Hoffman. "She did a great job this past spring season as the unofficial captain and we fully expect her to keep the team moving forward.  Her thoughtfulness and responsibility towards her teammates have earned her the nickname of "mom" from the squad." 

Bruno, a second-team All-Northeast-10 honoree last fall as well as an Academic All-Conference honoree for the second time, led the NE10 in hitting with her .357 percentage 24th best in Division II and eighth best on Bentley's all-time list. She hit .402 in conference play and also gave Bentley 2.30 kills, 0.91 blocks and 0.25 sets per set.

Bruno, who elevated her hitting percentage more than 100 points from her rookie season, made 10 or more kills eight times with a high of 17 Sept. 2 vs. Wilmington (Del.). There were seven matches a year ago when she hit at least .400 and recorded at least eight kills. In those contests, Bentley achieved a 6-1 record.

"Rachel complements Krista very well as the second team captain this season, and both Kristine (Mickelson, assistant coach) and I are expecting good things from both of them," commented Pacis. "Rachel's intensity and work-ethic are attributes we want to continue to grow and nurture in our team culture."

Bentley, coming off a 19-10 season, begins its season Saturday with matches against Georgian Court and West Chester in Lakewood, N.J.