MetroWest Daily News - On Campus: Framingham State's Fernandes' final act is stepping aside

By Craig Gilvarg, Daily News Staff

Framingham, Mass. - There wasn't much Andressa Fernandes hadn't accomplished heading into her senior year at Framingham State.

In her three seasons with the Rams volleyball team, she had managed to lead the program to heights previously unseen. Last season, in which she surpassed 1,000 career kills, she led the Rams to a regular-season MASCAC title and, for the first time ever, the conference tournament championship, which came with an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

After leading the conference with 438 kills in addition to 314 digs, 47 aces and 17 blocks, she was named MASCAC Player of the Week six times, and ultimately, the conference Player of the Year — the second straight season she took home that honor.

By all accounts, she was the best player not only on her own team, but seemingly in the entire conference. And yet, with another year of experience under her belt, logic seemed to dictate that Fernandes could still grow, still improve upon her already outstanding game, further augment her already accomplished resume.

But a curious thing has happened this season. Fernandes' numbers have dipped, her production — at least as quantified on a stat sheet — cut in half. The awards have gone elsewhere, as has much of the attention. The spotlight, once fixated prominently in her direction, has shifted. In her final season, the Rams' best player and team captain has seen her role decrease.

Even more curious, though, is the fact the Rams seem better for it. The best they've ever been, perhaps.

"I can't really complain about anything," said Fernandes. "The team is really strong, I think it's the strongest it's ever been since I got here, and everyone gets along really well and it's just going really good."

To be clear, any dip in production is no fault of her own. Fernandes hasn't slacked off, hasn't cut corners, isn't lacking for motivation. That wouldn't be like her. Responsibility lies elsewhere.

"It's pretty much my fault," said Framingham State coach Richard Casali, "because we did a good job recruiting."

The difference between this season and others isn't in how Fernandes is playing, but rather who she's playing with.

Most notably sensational freshman Alycia Rackliffe.

Through 27 games, Fernandes, the Rams' left outside hitter, has 170 kills and 18 service aces, a significant drop from where she stood at this point a year ago. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-1 Rackliffe, playing across the court on the right side, has 263 kills and 31 service aces in her first season. She's won every Rookie of the Week award thus far, and has been named Player of the Week in every week except one.

Much of this is, of course, due to Rackliffe's natural ability and incredible talent. But Fernandes, the veteran, is the player opposing teams know best — the one that has beaten them consistently for the past three years. She's still the player that draws the focus of the defense, drawing consistent double teams. That helps to open things up for the freshman, and the Rams take what they're given.

"Her stats are down, but what she's doing for our team is even more important," said Casali.

It's a combination that has been nearly impossible to defend and has worked wonders for Framingham State, which sits at 22-5 and tied atop the MASCAC with Westfield State.

"Last year we played so well, I got most of the hits and the other teams think that we're going to play the same way now," said Fernandes. "So they set up a defense where they're protecting themselves from me and we just changed that, now a lot of hits are coming from the right side instead of the left side, and since we have so many hitters we divide the ball better.

"Last year I used to get set 35 times. This year I get set half of that because I have to split attacks with Julia (Wan), Alycia, Danielle (Girard). It's much more well-divided I would say."

It's certainly a game plan that has been productive for Framingham State. But at times, it has likely been a tough pill for Fernandes to swallow.

Of course, that's not something you would ever get her to admit. Again, that wouldn't be her style.

"I sat down with her, because it's a difficult thing, and I said 'Listen, I know you're not getting the attention as much,' and she said 'Wait a minute, we're a better team,' and that I think says everything about her," said Casali. "She's been really good about it, and we still need her more than we ever have. She took what has happened so well, that it's an example for every player. If we gave her the ball like we did the last two years she'd still be the best player in the league. We're a better team because we don't have to do that."

  "Let's put it this way — I don't see how it can't not be difficult, but none of us have ever known it by the way she acts or speaks."

Or it could just be a reflection of her priorities. At this point, Fernandes has experienced it all — individual glory and collective achievement alike. The Player of the Year honor she referred to as "a nice surprise." She called winning the MASCAC tournament the best moment of her life.

"I think as a team we really look out for each other and we all bring in something different to the table," said Fernandes. "There are a lot of girls that … we're all good at a different thing, a different aspect of the game and we're looking to just bring it all together and make our team stronger. Instead of thinking of individual qualities we think of the team. I think it's very selfish to think about your stats and how well you're doing compared to everyone. It means a lot more to win a title than to win the Player of the Year."

Which isn't to say she isn't motivated to prove herself further. Any hope the Rams' have to repeat as MASCAC champions is reliant on both Rackliffe and Fernandes playing at an elite level. Exactly how that is reflected in the box score is another matter entirely.

As any coach will tell you, numbers alone can't assess a player's value. A third Player of the Year may not be in the cards for Fernandes, but she's still the same player who won it twice, still the player who took Framingham State to its first NCAA tournament.

And still its best chance to get back there again.

"To be honest with you, I don't think we've turned over the 'crown' to Alycia yet, I just think everyone else has," said Casali. "(Andressa) has never acknowledged that Alyicia is the new best player, I don't know if she even believes that. I think she thinks that Alycia is a huge help to us, and she is, but in my mind I always thought I was the best player, and I hope she thinks like that — that she's the best player and we can't win without her. Because we can't."