The LRHS varsity volleyball team had a rough start to the 2019 season, but grew as team to find their “mojo.”

“Our overall season was up and down,. We started out slowly but then went on an eight game winning streak,” Coach Brian Phillips told The Ledger. “The girls worked hard to improve, and it showed during our winning streak.”

According to Coach Phillips, the goals for the team were to improve their skills and to reach the county semi-finals and qualify for states. Although the team did not reach the goal, they still improved as a team.

Captain and senior Robin Yochim agrees with Coach Phillips sentiments on the season, saying it took the team some time to find their “mojo.” 

According to Yochim, “We got closer as a team when we went soul searching and did some bonding.” She said that the overall season was busy, on top of making it to counties and states, goals were to have a drama free and fun time. 

Yochim said that she is “grateful for the struggle” because it helped the team grow and bond. 

According to Coach Phillips and Yochim, key players were juniors Katie Bennorth, Paige Dammers, Emily Weinpel, and Precious Star. A shout out was also given to freshmen Kaitlyn VanZile and Emily Ricci for the season.

The varsity team ended the season on a high by beating rivals West Milford and working hard throughout the season.

According to JV Coach Jamie Haftek, who works in LRHS’ special services department, the JV team focused their season on communication. She told The Ledger that the team “had a season filled with perfecting our skills as well as figuring out how to work as a team.”

Coach Haftek said that every game brought the team closer and that everyone played an important role, bringing something different, whether it be in skills or enthusiasm.