By Jeff Appelblatt
By the time the girls’ volleyball season ended at Woodbridge High School, Jayson Calhoun realized it was time for him to step away from coaching. He had young children and a wife at home that he wanted to see more often.
Calhoun was ready to step away and leave the boys’ volleyball team to one of his former assistants, P.J. Jacovinich.
Woodbridge lost its first game of the season with Jacovinich in his new role, but he didn’t let it faze him. Two days after the loss to local rival Colonia High School, the Barrons entered the win column by defeating Perth Amboy High School, 2-0 (25-18, 25-21).
Woodbridge followed up that win with another two, beating another local foe in John F. Kennedy Memorial High School and then Union High School.
Jacovinich may not have said he was relieved to see his team win, but no coach wants to go too long without a win.
“It [was] nice to get a few early wins under my belt,” he said after the Barrons outlasted the Mustangs, 2-1 (16-25, 25-19, 26-14).
Julian Sosa has been a big reason Woodbridge has won most of its matches. The senior setter has continued to make sure he’s gotten the ball to Adnan Kolenovic, Nickoy Nelson, Jayson Morgado or Jaden Gomez at the net to work their kill skills.
While Dale Alvarez missed the wrestling season due to injury, he’s back in shape and has led the Barrons in digs this year.
Woodbridge’s new head coach is enjoying watching the wins, like the team’s most recent one April 17 at Edison High School. Again, the Barrons fell behind early, losing game one, 25-14. But they regrouped and won the next two, 25-18 and 25-19.
It was the second straight win for Woodbridge (5-3). The team hoped to continue with the wins April 18 vs. Union and will aim for a win at noon April 21 in Woodbridge against Henry Snyder High School of Jersey City.
“The switch [to head coach] has been big, but good, so far,” Jacovinich said. “I’m enjoying it very much.”