As the scholastic calendar renews itself this week, so does another season of competitive high school volleyball. Teams have been practicing their sets and spikes in practice for weeks and are ready for the games to start. Here’s a look at the prospects for our schools.
Poughkeepsie
Steve Ellerbee is in his sixth year coaching at Poughkeepsie, and last year’s 7-win squad was the best he’s had. Unfortunately, Ellerbee lost eight seniors from that team, but on the positive side, the departed players left a legacy of leadership.
“They really laid the groundwork for the girls who were freshmen last year. Between the JV and the varsity, we have 15 sophomores,” said Ellerbee.
With veteran leadership at a premium, the Pioneers will be counting on their two seniors to lead a precocious kiddie corps. Co-captain and middle hitter Anreka Gordon is a vocal presence on the court and has played varsity all four years of her career. The other senior, Nicole Morrison, will play a key role, as passing is her strength.
“She always gets the ball to the right people. Last year we didn’t have a great passing team, but I think we’ll be much better this year,” said Ellerbee.
The army of sophomores will be the key to Poughkeepsie’s success. Outside hitter Labrena Gordon has a complete game and is strong at hitting, passing, setting and providing an intimidating presence at the net. Joyce Wood is a straight-up power player who is blessed with uncanny jumping ability.
The Pioneers have lost height from their front line, but what they may have lost in power, Ellerbee believes they can make up in cohesion.
“We have no one over six feet, so it will be important to be precise,” he said.
Ketcham
Teamwork will also be a telling indicator in the success of Ketcham. As with Poughkeepsie, Ketcham graduated eight seniors from last season’s 9-10 team. Although the team is young, second-year coach Dan Pampalone coached many of his current players at the modified and junior varsity levels.
“I’ve really built an affinity with them as I’ve gone along with them through the program. Their ability to work together and the cohesion, unity and communication are something that last year’s team was lacking,” he said.
Pampalone will be relying on a faster offense and a solid second row defense and has been working in practice to emphasize fundamental skills. Keeping it precise and simple will be hallmarks of the Indians’ season, he said.
Senior outside hitter Bria Woeckener, one of the top rowers in Dutchess County, will supply the power to hit winners.
“She comes in jacked and destroys the ball,” said Pampalone.
Junior middle hitter Nicole Kellogg provides a nice complement to Woekener. The best blocker on the club, Kellogg has the passing and defensive ability of a back-row player. Sophomore setter Leanne Feeney has soft hands and the ability to set up her teammates, as well as finish off points.
Last year, the Indians lost in the sectional quarterfinals and Pampalone is aiming even higher this season.
“Obviously, we want to trump that and keep out eyes on the prize, being the sectionals itself,” he said.
FDR
Roosevelt coach Cheryl Wilson lost only four seniors, all non-starters from last season’s team, and has five key three-year varsity players returning. Recently, the Presidents competed in “play day” in Millbrook, a scrimmage session with 11 area teams, and acquitted themselves quite nicely,” she said.
“We tried a variety of different offenses and defenses. We use every conceivable combination and they all blended very well. It’s very promising. I have five newcomers who complement my returners very well, so I’m confident our poor record (6-13) from last year is going to turn around,” said Wilson.
The Presidents have a sister act that may be ready for prime time. FDR will use a variety of formations on the court and senior setter Ashley Wade keeps tight control over the plays on the floor while her younger sister, sophomore Katie, is already showing signs of following in her sister’s footsteps.
The five seniors take up the middle and right side of the court. What was lacking last season was on the outside, Wilson said, so she is relying on junior Stephanie Kasson and sophomore Lauren Woods as outside hitters.
“They offer strong consistent hits. The key is control and consistency. Most of their hits stay on the floor,” said Wilson.
The Presidents are blessed with strong middle players, such as seniors Alix Sizewski and Samantha Lowe, as well as junior newcomer Donna Burns. Although not blessed with great height, FDR has an outstanding libero in senior Brittany Zagorski, who excels at digging up hits in the back row and passing back up to the front lines.
FDR is looking to be one of the top teams in the MHAL and more, Wilson said.
“Our big goal is making a strong showing in Section IX, to show that we have a place in AA competition and not just in the MHAL,” she said.
Arlington
The Admirals are coming off a strong showing last year in which they went 17-6 and lost in the sectional finals, and while coach Maria Greenwood lost seven seniors, she is not giving up hope.
“We’re going to have a young team this year. They’re a good bunch of girls. I just think we’re going to be young but competitive and we’ll see where that takes us. Let’s take it game-by-game and see what happens,” she said.
The Admirals will be led by three captains who play with skill and passion. Senior middle hitter Caitlin Schell will anchor a very strong front row and will be relied on for the majority of the sets. Senior Katelynn Wright, an opposite position and middle hitter, is unafraid to take some floor burns for the team and possesses an upbeat attitude that inspires her teammates, said Greenwood. Sophomore Olivia Reeves is moving from outside to middle this year.
“She’s coming along very well. Between her and Caitlin (Schell), we should have some big hands in the middle for the front row,” said Greenwood.
Newcomer Jessica Chattin, a sophomore, will anchor the libero position. A defensive specialist, Chattin excels at passing the ball up to the setter, the first step in the bump-set-spike-kill progression, and will be a big key in the offense.
Final cuts were late this year, as the Admirals added a second junior varsity team.
“Our program is growing and we see a lot of promise with our girls coming up,” said Greenwood.
Spackenkill
Spackenkill coach Nancy Dixon is upbeat about her team’s chances this year.
“We have a strong nucleus of girls. We finally have setters this year and we are a little bit taller. The offense will be strong,” she said.
The team will be led by senior captain and outside hitter Ashley Zahurak, who Dixon said has matured physically and emotionally this year. Senior Megan Pomarico is a middle hitter who excels at blocking. She possesses experience and excellent hands, Dixon said.
Newcomer Gai Sher, a sophomore setter, has an excellent volleyball pedigree as her father was a collegiate player. Although this is her first year with the Spackenkill squad, Sher has club experience and a natural intensity and commitment.
“She’s crazy for the game and it really shows,” said Dixon.
According to Dixon, this year’s Spartans possess an excellent chemistry and an innate understanding of what makes a team work. Last week, Spackenkill participated in a 15-team scrimmage tournament at Pine Bush against many Class AA schools and the experience was a positive one for the Spartans.
“We held our own and we seemed to improve as the day went on. I think we’re going to be competitive,” said Dixon.