Although Old Bridge High School’s girls’ volleyball team turned in an uncharacteristic 9-15 record this fall, there is plenty of reason to believe the Lady Knights can return to form next season with a talented group of players coming back.
In 2013, coach Andrew Hopman’s team won 22 matches and brought home its second successive Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) championship. The veteran mentor not only wants his team to return to prominence in the conference but look beyond that into the state tournament.
“I want the girls to develop a mindset where they are prepared to play into early or mid-November,” he said. “You have to make an impact in the post-season to develop a reputation throughout the state.”
This past season saw the Old Bridge lineup incorporate several new faces. While there were some growing pains, the Lady Knights scored impressive victories over previously undefeated Williamstown High School (27-1) and Wall High School (23-1), both of which have just the lone loss. In addition, Hopman’s girls split a pair of matches with both Fair Lawn High School and Colonia High School and lost a hard-fought contest against Westfield High School (16-5).
Old Bridge knocked off Bishop George Ahr High School, 2-0 (25-20, 25-19), in the first round of the GMC Tournament. Hopman’s team was eliminated by Mother Seton Regional High School in the quarterfinals.
Hard-hitting Tara Kokoszka blossomed into a bona fide team leader. The junior led her team with 115 kills and was second with 194 digs. She also contributed 26 assists and 24 service aces. Kokoszka will play an even more important role next year.
The Lady Knights will lose a few key contributors, as seniors Kayla Fanning and Nicole Bertelle will graduate in June. Bertelle, the setter, piled up 298 assists to go with 62 kills, while Fanning, a middle hitter, had 77 kills and 26 blocked shots. Outside hitter Bianca Medina and libero Taylor Chahalis will also be missed.
Juniors Marisa Afonso and Marisa Gregory should be ready to play more prominent roles as outside hitters. Afonso, who saw some playing time as a sophomore, had 52 kills and 21 service aces. Gregory combines offensive and defensive skills as shown by her 27 kills and 45 digs.
Another junior, Dana Zarrillo, impressed throughout the campaign with her defense as she led the Lady Knights with 273 digs. Haley Donaghue showed plenty of versatility as she posted 30 kills and 24 digs, as well as 14 service aces and 10 blocks.
Hopman also incorporated 5-foot-11 sophomore Jadyn Simatos into the lineup. She showed a good presence at the net while garnering 10 kills.
“The girls worked very hard and they’re getting better and better,” Hopman said. “We had a tough schedule, so they were able to learn a lot and gain some experience that will help them next year.”