May 23, 2021
By Alex Shapiro
Editor-in-Chief
For the first time in over three decades, the girls volleyball team made a run all the way up to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association North 2, Group 1 final. Despite falling short to Verona High School in the state sectional final after losing the first set 25-15 and the second 25-21 on April 20, the girls still made history with their 14-3 winning record.
The girls also secured the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Division 4 title after beating rival league opponent Rutherford High School on March 25. The Lady Bears won the first set 26-24 and the second 25-21.
Junior Stephanie Mizeski led the way with a team high of eight kills along with nine digs and an assist. Senior Kiara Salme added on seven kills, three aces, four digs and two assists, while Jaylinn Colon recorded 15 assists, three aces and eight digs.
Senior Maryann Ijeh said the team’s success was a result of their strong friendships with each other.
“Our team had so much success this season because we all had a really great bond on and off the court,” Ijeh said. “That connection we all had was ultimately what brought us to the final, and I think it will lead the team to success next season.”
Ijeh said another key component to the season’s strong outcome was the leadership of Coach Vahalla.
“Our coach impacted the way we played by always pushing us to do our best and believing in us, especially towards the end of the season,” Ijeh said.
Senior Pemba Lama said Vahalla kept their team focused on winning, even when the odds seemed against them.
“Our coach always wanted us to win. He knew that we were better than a lot of other teams we played against. We just had to execute our skills on the court,” Lama said. “When we got messy on the court, he always made us realize our worth and capabilities.”
Like all of LHS’ sports teams, the girls volleyball players had to follow Covid-19 protocols. Lama said the team focused on being mindful of their health so the full team would be eligible to play in important games.
“Our coach impacted the way we played by always pushing us to do our best and believing in us, especially towards the end of the season.”
“Covid-19 affected lots of aspects of our season, including shortening our season and limiting the amount of spectators at our games,” Lama said. “I wish they allowed more people to come watch our games because having that support is something that would have helped us play harder.”
This year’s team was led by five seniors, and six veteran junior players will be coming back next year.
Junior Maria Hantzaras, who will be one of the returners next year, said her favorite memories of this season was winning the state semifinal game against Hasbrouck Heights High School on April 16.
“It was a game I will never forget and was such an amazing feeling, as it was the game that showed how hard we worked all season to be where we were,” Hantzaras said.
She said she hopes the team can build on its success by winning the state sectional championship next season.
“I can’t wait to accomplish even more next season and hopefully achieve these same feelings in games next year,” said Hantzaras.
PHOTOS FROM LORS PHOTOGRAPHY
Senior Maryann Ijeh bumps the volleyball at a home game against North Arlington on March 19.
