By Ken Weingartner, Sports Writer
When Jess Pietrefesa is down, she’s not out. In fact, it’s when she’s at her best.
Pietrefesa, a senior who plays libero for the South Brunswick High girls’ volleyball team, was joined recently by Vikings junior Jamie Thompson in being named an all-star in the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division.
”Volleyball just seemed like such a fun sport to play. Even though when I started out I couldn’t jump for my life, which is why I’m a libero,” Pietrefesa said, referring to the game’s back-row ball-control specialist position.
”I’ve always wanted to throw my body to the ground, whether it’s for softball or volleyball or basketball. It’s so much fun to dive and pancake the ball and it pops up and you continue with the play. It’s amazing.”
Vikings coach Shaun Ruymen said Pietrefesa was the team’s most valuable player so far this season.
”She’s a great player. She’s been incredible for us,” he said. “She keeps the ball alive for us in a lot of situations where it typically would be a kill for the other team. She has a real strong work ethic and very determined attitude. She’s worked on our passing so often, and her defense, that any ball she misses, whether it’s her fault or not, she takes it on herself.”
South Brunswick (9-13) defeated Edison 16-25, 25-22, 25-17 Tuesday in the first round of the GMC Tournament. The sixth-seeded Vikings meet third-seeded Mother Seton today.
The Vikings graduated eight seniors from last year’s team, making this season one of transition. Pietrefesa, along with seniors Katie Rolwood, Jess Strincoski, Emily Gabriel and Sarah Meola, want to finish this season strong and help prepare younger players for the future.
”We wanted to go out with a huge bang,” Pietrefesa said. “I believe we could be really good, and could go far in GMCs, if we all play to our full potential. We just need to pick up our game. We need to be strong from the beginning to the end. Everyone needs to step up. The underclassmen need to know we’re there to pick them up and help them succeed, not only this season, but in seasons to come as well.”

