Lakeland Regional High School’s girls varsity volleyball team had a satisfactory season this year.
Coach Brian Phillips’ view on the season was very positive, saying, “Our season was not bad. Our record [5-17] may not reflect how our season was, but we were an inexperienced team and we grew a lot over the course of the season.”
The team was led by senior captains Brianna Rodriguez and Bella Gottschall, with a starting lineup of Rodriguez, senior Kaelyn Barbosa, senior Emily Kurzyna, sophomore Madelyn Jones, freshman Lia Botsolas, senior Skye Poliey, freshman Gia Moreno.
Phillips credits Rodriguez not only for her leadership, but skillful switch from the positions of libero to a “true prodigy of a setter.”
A Season of Ups and Downs
Coach Phillips reflected on one of the best games of the season saying, “Our best moment was during the Wayne Valley tournament when we upset Wayne Valley and made the semi-finals.”
Playing hard in every game, the team’s most emotional game was their loss versus Wayne Hills in the second game in the county tournament after a win against Kennedy.
After interviewing the majority of the varsity players, their responses varied with different games they thought were the best play and their favorite moment of the season:
Rodriguez shares, “My favorite moment was probably the team bonding we did before the season. Every grade went to a fellow teammate’s house for a pool party and it was really nice. Another favorite moment on the team was probably the tournament with all of my senior girls.”
“[My favorite moment is] playing and hanging out with all my friends,” says Gottschall.
Freshman Olivia Decker tells the Ledger, “In my opinion, the best game of the season was when we versed Pequannock. All of the girls played great for both games and played to their best abilities. I got my first ace on Varsity, and it felt amazing to contribute to the team’s success! Although we didn’t win, I think everyone played great and there was a lot of energy that brought everyone up.”
Botsolas also will remember the comradery built amongst the girls, saying, “My favorite moment was making new friendships from always being together on and off the court.”
Positions and Stats
Parting Advice for the Future
(LRHS) (JABBAR_WALKER)
The Ledger asked the players to impart their wisdom for future LRHS volleyball players.
Rodriguez shares that patience is an important trait to have for players as “there are a lot of rotations and positions to memorize and learn.” Botsolas also stresses the need to be patient with yourself, sharing, “[Do] not get in your head… every play is a new one so reset and forget about the mistake because they’re parts of the game.”
As a freshman on varsity, Decker shares, “My advice to incoming players would be to stay confident and always give your best effort. Listen to your coaches and learn from your mistakes. Hard work and a positive attitude can make a big difference in how you play!”
The girls varsity volleyball team will only grow stronger with the positive attitudes and leadership the team gives each other.
