The Boys Volleyball Team Jumps into Action!
By Kevin Cahill ('23)
Fall sports at North Rockland High School are arguably the best and most entertaining of them all. There’s football, soccer, tennis, field hockey, you name it. However, up to this year, there was a noticeable absence of one sport in particular: volleyball. Although there was already a successful Girls Volleyball team with a consistent schedule, many people wondered when the male volleyball players would finally get a competitive team of their own. Well, their wish was granted, and for the first time in North Rockland High School history, we have a Boys Volleyball team!
Not only were there enough players for a team, but there were enough players to make both a Varsity and a JV team. Both the Varsity head coach (Margaret Stead) and the JV head coach (Michael Solicito) are committed to giving the players opportunities for improvement and success. Coach Stead announces, “I think that the team is constantly improving. Every one of our players has a positive attitude and a drive to win, and each game we play we get closer to victory.”
Jesse Falek ('23) goes in for a spike
Jake Caravano ('23) and the JV team prepare to return a serve
The players, who have been dying to play high school volleyball since their freshman years, are even more excited about the new season. The JV middle blocker, Jake Caravano (‘23), explains, “It may be our first year, and even though we have only been playing together for a month or two, we are eager to learn. And we have been practicing day in and day out. We may not have as much experience, but we make up for it in spirit and teamwork.”
The Varsity middle blocker, Jesse Falek (‘23), follows up the enthusiasm for the Varsity team. “I’m glad we finally have a team this year. It’s a lot of fun,” he proclaims. The Varsity setter, William Monahan (‘23), also mentions, “Our team is full of upbeat and energetic players with a drive to win, and I’m looking forward to finishing the season strong.”
Despite all the enthusiasm, both teams have had to face some formidable opponents this season, such as Suffern, Clarkstown North, and Scarsdale, causing them to have rough win records. The Varsity team is currently 1-9, and the JV team is 4-6. At least the JV team beat our rival Suffern twice!
Although there may be a lack of success for the time being, the volleyball games themselves have been nothing but fun and entertaining. Volleyball is a very fast-paced sport with a ton of close calls and exciting moments, so the games end up being pretty amusing. In addition, there are always a ton of fans and other North Rockland students in attendance, and the intense games often led to some spirited celebrations from the crowd.
Will Monahan ('23) sets the ball up for his teammates
Kevin Wren ('22) jumps up for a hit
Things are looking up, too. Not only is there a noticeable difference in the amount of success at the beginning of the season and the amount at the end of season, but there are also major improvements in how well the teammates work together. Outside hitter Prabhdeep Multani (‘23) reminds us that this is only their first year playing together, and an improvement in teamwork is the most important aspect of any newly formed team. He states, “For the first year in North Rockland history, I think we’re playing phenomenally. I’m proud of our improvement and I am excited for the future. Let’s keep pushing forward!”
With all that said, their next home matches are this Friday, October 22nd, against East Ramapo in the NRHS main gym. The JV game is at 5:00, and the Varsity game is at 6:30. It is a pink-out too! Show up and show your Raider Pride!