On March 21, the boys had their first volleyball scrimmage at home for the new season. This year, the team is down four important seniors, losing height and crucial talent since three were middles and one was an outside hitter.
The future looks bright since two skillful seniors, Manan Patel and Eddy Santiago, have stepped in as captains, with Manan already having experience from last year.
Mr. DeVoogd is coaching the varsity team, Mr. Salazar is coaching the junior varsity team, and Mr. McCarthy is coaching the freshmen team. In the scrimmage, DeVoogd is trying new lineups, including figuring out the new libero position, which is a main serve receiver and critical defense player.
The varsity volleyball team ended losing 1-2 to Watchung Hills. However, since it was a scrimmage, it didn’t count toward their record.
Their first official game is on April 1, at Edison High School, where the varsity plays at 5:15 p.m. and the junior varsity at 4 p.m. The first home game is next week on April 3rd, when the J.F.K. Mustangs face the J.P. Stevens Hawks.
The Mustangs are looking to advance farther into the season than they did last year and hold a better record. Although their record last year was commendable at 10-15 overall and 7-5 in conference, they are hoping to improve and use the upcoming talent on the team to their full potential.
The team currently consists of only juniors and seniors. The plan is to eventually bring up some sophomores to display their skills and get experience for next year.
Insight from Captain Manan Patel
How do you feel about the new volleyball season?
Patel: The team has so much potential; we just have to clean some things up. The height is lower this year since we had a lot of tall people last year, but we are improving. We don’t have Saturday practice anymore, but the team definitely has potential.
What are your goals for the season?
Win divisions this year. I also want to reach 1,000 assists while winning more games than we lose. We are in a different division this year, versus J.P. Stevens twice, and they are really good, but we would love to beat them both times. Last year, we were in the White Division, but they created a new Blue Division, which is worse than the white.
How do you feel about taking the leadership role this year?
I’m a lot better this year because I was also captain last year. It’s also a lot of stress because the coach looks up to me as a role model, so I have to be on top of my game. People who are new or have less experience look up to me, too. The most stress, though, comes from my coach [Mr. DeVoogd] because he expects a lot.
