SBHS volleyball struggles after gaining historic win

By: Tyler Dey
   With just over two weeks of the season gone by, the South Brunswick High School boys volleyball team is 1-5.
   The focus is not on the five losses, however; it is on the "1" in the win column signifying the first win in the first-year program’s history.
   The Vikings swept Edison for their inaugural victory April 8, taking Game 1 15-12 and winning the second game 15-10. Senior setter Drew Arnesen recorded nine service points in the win.
   "It was more of a team victory than being able to name individuals (who performed well)," coach Steve Dentler said. "We kind of put everything together there."
   Of course, the Vikings are still an inexperienced team and the win was followed by three straight losses – all sweeps at the hands of Southern Regional (April 10), Piscataway (April 11) and state powerhouse St. Joseph (Monday).
   The game against St. Joseph, ranked No. 1 in the state by one publication, served as a vivid reminder of where South Brunswick is. The Falcons made quick work of the Vikings, allowing only two points in a 15-1, 15-1 match.
   The earlier losses to Piscataway and Southern Regional pointed out a problem that has Dentler concerned – the inability of his team to warm up until the second game.
   In those two matches South Brunswick was outscored by a combined total of 30-1 (Southern 15-0, Piscataway 15-1) in the first games, only to rebound and stay competitive in the second. The combined score in the second games of those contests was 31-23 (Southern 15-9, Piscataway 16-14).
   "I think because these guys have not played structured volleyball ever, they’re still sort of fighting all the other things they have to worry about along with the passing, serving, hitting." Dentler explained. "I think that feeling-out process for the other teams is going quicker."
   The only solution in Dentler’s mind is practice. With a week between the St. Joseph loss and the Vikings’ next contest Monday against Bridgewater-Raritan, there would appear to be plenty of time for it, but there isn’t.
   With the extended spring break on the horizon, the school will be closed for four days starting Thursday for work on the building’s fire alarm system. The situation has left Dentler looking for gym space over the coming weekend.
   "We’ve raised the intensity of our practices," Dentler said. "It’s a matter of having to coach almost every individual skill and strategy. It’s almost an overwhelming situation."
   Another solution to the slow starts may be the return of starting outside hitter Matt Chin, who has missed the past three matches due to illness.
   SIDE-OUTS: The Vikings opened their season April 2 with a 2-0 (15-6, 15-2) loss to J.P. Stevens. They also lost 2-0 (15-3, 15-4) to Old Bridge April 4. . . . A scheduled match with East Brunswick April 7 was postponed due to snow. . . Dentler praised the early-season play of back-liner Mark Mangual, saying "He’s very good in the back row in terms of passing. He’s been our most consistent passer."