Nov. 1, 2024
By Nikalena Iacono
Managing Editor
The girls volleyball team dominated the court to end its regular season on Oct. 28 with a 21-3 record. The team’s only losses were against Montville, Ramapo and Secaucus High Schools.
Senior captain and outside hitter Yasemin Ugurlu, who joined varsity as a floater her freshman year, said she believes the team—which consists of seven returning players and four freshmen—has what it takes to win states.
“The positivity and the chemistry [have] made this team a force.”
“Our goal for the past four years, ever since this senior class were freshmen, [was] to win a state title, and this year’s team has the most potential of doing so,” Ugurlu said.
She said this season differed from last season, which ended with an 18-7 record, because all the players improved and became more familiar with the game.
“Half of the players on our team participated in club [teams] and have gained more skills in all aspects of volleyball, which are passing, hitting, setting, blocking and serving. When we combine all of those skills together, that’s when we are our strongest,” Ugurlu said.
Senior captain and outside hitter Asya Akar, who joined the team as a freshman, said this season is unlike any other she has experienced on the team.
“We have a spark and have a very strong-willed team,” Akar said. “The positivity and the chemistry [have] made this team a force.”
Akar said this season has been more technical compared to last season because the team added back-row attacks and a quicker offense.
Akar said the most challenging aspect of volleyball is staying positive after making a mistake.
“Reminiscing [about] your mistakes can make you suffer on the court, so I’ve learned to let go and redeem myself,” Akar said.
Senior setter Kiana Marizan, who joined varsity her sophomore year, became the first volleyball player in LHS history to reach 1,000 assists on Oct. 7 in the away game against Montville.
“I was really proud of myself and my team for helping me reach this accomplishment. I never thought that I would be able to reach something as great as this,” Marizan said.
She said this milestone reflects her improvement throughout her years playing volleyball.
“As a freshman who didn’t even know how to pass a ball, and now a senior who has been on the starting line[up] for three years, it really amazes me how much my hard work has paid off,” Marizan said.
She said her goals for the rest of the season are to play to her best ability and win a state title with the team.
“We have made a name for ourselves across the state,” said Marizan. “Compared to other years, I believe that we are Coach Vahalla’s strongest girls volleyball team yet.”
