By Ken Weingartner, Special Writer
A year removed from a disappointing season, the South Brunswick High girls volleyball team is a smashing success.
The Vikings, who finished 9-10 last season, were 13-2 through Tuesday. Among the wins was the school’s first-ever triumph over perennial power East Brunswick.
”We were expecting it to be better than last year,” coach Shaun Ruymen said. “We had a team filled with potential last year, but we just couldn’t put it together. It was kind of disappointing for the girls. We just couldn’t get on the same page.
”I had some girls who worked hard in the offseason and did some work in the summer. They just seem to be jelling really well.”
The victory at East Brunswick was a turning point this season.
”I think that was one of those moments when they thought: Wow. Maybe we are better than we thought we were,” Ruymen said. “I think they’ve matured. They’re more confident on the court.”
Tori Brokaw has led an explosive offense with 138 kills while Jill Blaine has added 71 and Cassie Weeden 53. Jen Zish has 272 assists and 34 aces, second on the team to Weeden’s 36 aces. Brokaw has 27 blocks and Blaine 32 digs.
”Jill has been my rock,” Ruymen said. “She’s a very consistent, go-to player. When you need her to make a big play, she can.
”Tori, I would say, is the best middle in the area. She’s been our flash and our flair. We can set the ball to Tori and the majority of defenses out there can’t do much to stop her. We go throw a ball in the air and say Tori go get it and it’s been pretty successful for us.”
South Brunswick was scheduled to play New Brunswick yesterday and Colonia today. Colonia handed the Vikings one of their losses; the other came their second meeting against East Brunswick in three games.
Next week, the Vikings play Old Bridge on Monday, Mother Seton on Tuesday and end the regular season at home with Senior Night against Piscataway on Wednesday. The Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament and state playoffs follow.
”We have some big matches remaining,” Ruymen said. “We want to finish strong. I think we knew we were better than what our record showed last year. They just get it a little more.
”It’s been a fun season so far.”

