Pirates capture state tourney opener
By Justin Feil, Assistant Sports Editor
Lea Williams doesn’t have to look far for inspiration.
Her sister, Tia, graduated from West Windsor-Plainsboro High South last year after a standout senior year on the volleyball court that led to her continuing this year at Morgan State.
”When I first saw her play when she was a freshman, I said, she looks like she’s having fun,” Lea said. “I wanted to try it. I turned out to love it. I think of it this way, without my sister, I might not have taken a second look at volleyball.”
Lea started playing as a freshman, and last year played sparingly for a senior-laden Pirates squad. This year, the junior has changed positions from setter to middle and stepped up her play to help the Pirates keep going strong despite major graduation losses.
Williams had seven kills, seven blocks, one dig and two aces as WW-P South opened the Group III state tournament with a 2-0 win over 23rd-seeded Northern Burlington County on Tuesday. Misty Ozbek, a freshman, also had seven kills as the Pirates took Game 1 easily, then held off a second-game rally by the visitors to move on.
”We played really well,” Williams said. “We all connected on the court and we all have different skills that we all put together at the same time to make the game happen. I think we played really well.
”I believe we practiced really hard. We really prepared for these state games. Preparation was the key. I think we did really well on that.”
The 10th seeded Pirates advance to play today at No. 7 Paramus, the same team that ended their season last year. Williams didn’t get to play in last year’s game, but she will be a big part of today’s matchup. Her ability to block may be her greatest asset for the Pirates.
”She had a lot of block kills against Northern Burlington,” said South head coach Michael Adams, whose team is 15-4. “She was pretty dominant at the net. That’s one of the things I’ve been working on with her. She can reach so high. I’m trying to tell her not to just reach high, but over the net further. Ever since she’s done that, she’s been doing really well. Her hands are a foot and a half over the net and take away the court. It’s tough to hit by her.”
Said Williams: “Blocking has become my main part. I always look to my sister for advice and tips on how to block because I saw how good she was as a blocker. Blocking has become a big part of my volleyball.”
Williams is developing rapidly as a player, something she credits to working in the Atlantic Valley Volleyball Club. She has grown literally as well, four inches since her freshman year to her present 5-foot-11. It’s moved her from setter to middle.
”I kind of wondered what it would be like to be a hitter,” Williams said. “Now I’ve become really good about hitting.
”It’s very different,” she added of playing middle. “Normally, when you’re setting, you have to play all-around. With middle, you go out when you go back row, but you still are playing all-around when you’re in. It’s a tough position. You’re running in circles. It’s a strenuous position, but it’s awesome.”
Williams has learned to hit the quick set to the middle better this year. It’s made the Pirates a tougher team, which is just what Adams wanted.
”This year, we changed it around and we’re able to use Lea and her height and hitting abilities,” he said. “We’re able to get a lot more hits and lot more blocks out of her.”
Her improvements have Williams on the same path as her older sister, and Lea still has one more year of high school to improve.
”I think she wants to play in college too,” Adams said. “She loves the game and wants to move on and play at the next level. She absolutely can. You can’t teach height and can’t teach athleticism. She can play at the next level, and a high level too.”
Williams’ first concern is getting the Pirates all the points she can get as they look to upset Paramus. Last year, South lost a 2-1 decision, and a virtually new look squad has its chance today.
”I remember they were a pretty tough team,” Williams said. “I think with the improvement we made this year, it’s going to be very exciting and interesting game. Hopefully we come out on top.”