April 5, 2025
By Madison Quick
Staff Writer
The boys volleyball team began its season on March 31 with a 0-2 loss at an away game against Harrison High School. As of April 4, the team’s record was 1-2.
Senior libero and defensive specialist Isaac Camilo, who joined varsity last year, said he expects the team will be more successful than last year, which ended in a 10-13 record and loss in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association tournament.
“We have a really good team, and I think we can go further than the team has in the past,” Camilo said. “This year, we have a lot of key players who can come together to play better.”
Camilo said one of the most significant challenges of volleyball is its quick pace.
“The second the ball touches the ground, it’s over, so there’s no time for slacking,” Camilo said.
Senior middle blocker Savio Nguyen, who joined varsity last year, said to be successful, the players must communicate on the court.
“We need to talk a lot because when we practice and don’t communicate, we drop a lot of balls,” Nguyen said.
He said one of the team’s strengths is that the players have a good relationship with one another.
“You need to have great chemistry with your teammates. It’s not just you. You also have to rely on [your teammates] to keep the ball up,” Nguyen said.
Senior captain and middle Angel Rojas, who has been on varsity since his freshman year, said he feels prepared for the season ahead because he practiced during the offseason.
“[I was] working out every single day, going out with my friends playing volleyball and perfecting the skills that I already have,” Rojas said.
He said being a captain, a role he shares with senior Bartu Akar, is an honor that comes with significant responsibility.
“We have a really good team, and I think we can go further than the team has in the past.”
“[I] have to lead the younger guys, make sure there are no missing pieces, make sure everyone is doing the right thing at the right time [and] make sure everything is flowing the right way,” Rojas said. “[I] have to make sure everyone understands that, at the end of the day, it’s a team win, not a self win.”
Rojas said he feels confident the team will get further in states than last season.
“Everyone has been around each other for longer, and the type of vibe we have will push us through this year,” said Rojas.
