May 16, 2024
By Giovanni Mule
Staff Writer
With a 10-11 record, the boys volleyball team has improved since completing last season with a 7-15 record.
Senior opposite hitter Matthew Slaby, who joined varsity as a sophomore, said he attributes the team’s success to the experience of its returning players.
“We have our main players back, and they all have gotten better,” Slaby said.
Slaby broke the school record with 21 kills in his favorite game of the season at North Arlington High School on April 11. The game ended in a 2-1 win for LHS. Despite his success, he said he remains focused on strengthening his skills.
“I hope to improve on my spiking and covering,” Slaby said. “I can improve on hitting because I do not hit with full force.”
Junior opposite hitter Cyprian Niedbal, who joined varsity as a freshman, also said his favorite game of the season was the April 11 game against North Arlington.
“I got 10 kills that game, and it is the most I have [gotten] in a game this season,” Niedbal said.
He said he is determined to make positive contributions to the team.
“I want to help this team succeed,” Niedbal said. “I can improve my serves and spiking and practice every day.”
Junior defensive specialist Isaac Camilo, who joined varsity this season, said he likes being on varsity because it has allowed him to compete in a new environment.
“Wanting to play more and win games drives me to improve,” Camilo said.
He said his best game was on April 15 at an away game against Harrison High School.
“Since the start of the season, I’ve observed significant changes and improvements in the boys’ skills, teamwork and overall performance.”
“I played back row the entire game, and I think I made some of the best plays thus far during that tournament,” Camilo said.
He said during the remainder of the season, the team should focus on improving its communication.
“There are moments where we don’t communicate, and everyone gets confused [about] what to do,” Camilo said.
Senior manager Allanis Rodriguez, who was a libero on the girls volleyball team for the past two seasons, said she enjoys her role because she helps contribute to the team’s success.
“I help ensure that everything on and off the court runs smoothly, allowing players to solely focus on playing the game,” Rodriguez said.
She said she has enjoyed seeing the players’ camaraderie and successes like their 2-1 comeback win at home against North Arlington High School on April 29. “Since the start of the season, I’ve observed significant changes and improvements in the boys’ skills, teamwork and overall performance,” said Rodriguez.
