JACKSON — History is being made at Jackson Liberty High School in Jackson this spring as Coach Brian Chesley’s boys volleyball team has roared to a 16-2 record.
The Lions defeated Middletown South High School in the first round of the 2022 Shore Conference Tournament on May 6 in Jackson.
FINAL! Jackson Liberty (@JlibBoysVball) advances to the SCT quarterfinals with a 2-0 victory over Middletown South. Mike Rizzo with the spike to end it & give Jackson Liberty a 25-19 win in the 2nd set. CC: @central_jersey @JLHSLionRoar @JLibAthletics #NJVolleyball 🏐 pic.twitter.com/VVGGiZkSLN
— Steven Bassin (@SBassin_Sports) May 6, 2022
The Lions’ 2-0 victory over the Eagles marks the first time Jackson Liberty has won 16 matches in a season and Chesley is hoping more great things are still to come.
“We are rolling and looking good. We are 16-2 and everyone has bought into everything I have been teaching them,” the coach said.
Before winning their first match in the conference tournament, the Lions won the Shore Conference B South Division championship on May 5 by defeating Manchester Township High School, 2-1.
The Lions were 8-0 in B South action and claimed the second division title in program history. The 2019 squad won the Shore Conference A Central Division title.
Chesley said winning the B South title showed his players they are capable of checking off their list of goals for the season.
In the first round of the Shore Conference Tournament, the Lions defeated Middletown South, 25-10 and 25-19. The win sends Jackson Liberty into the tournament quarterfinals.
All Jackson Liberty in the first set! @JlibBoysVball wins 25-10 to take the first set. #NJVolleyball 🏐 pic.twitter.com/WTtg2lsQqD
— Steven Bassin (@SBassin_Sports) May 6, 2022
“I think these guys know how good they are,” Chesley said of his student-athletes after the victory over the Eagles. “If they just stay relaxed and do their job, everybody is there to back them up and get the job done. We are very well rounded and playing really well right now.”
Senior Channing Williams contributed 11 kills in the win over Middletown South and said, “It feels really good. It felt good to get this first win in. We have really good players. We are playing more as a team and staying positive in every possible situation.”
Sophomore outside hitter Trevor Van Valkenburgh displayed his skills with four kills, seven digs, seven service points and three aces.
“It’s been really fun,” Van Valkenburgh said about the season. “We are making history with this volleyball team.”
Senior Dollir Churyumov delivered 18 assists to help Jackson Liberty defeat Middletown South.
Jackson Liberty will meet Christian Brothers Academy in the Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals on May 10. A win over the Colts will send the Lions to the semifinals of the conference tournament for the first time.
Another goal the 2022 Lions are pursuing is advancing past the second round of the upcoming state tournament for the first time in program history.
“Getting past the second round of states has never been done before, so that would be a huge milestone for us,” Chesley said.