Despite having to adjust to a new coaching lineup, the JP Stevens girls volleyball team got off to a strong start this season. Led by Head Coach Timothy Weber, the Lady Hawks were able to dominate the court with a three scrimmage winning streak against Edison, Woodbridge, and Timothy Christian. By keeping a positive mindset and encouraging each other, they were able to capture a formidable 13-10 record during the regular season. However, none of this could have been accomplished without the players, who have wholeheartedly dedicated themselves to their sport.

This season, co-captain and setter senior Dilara Pak has made over 300 assists, 130 digs, and 24 aces with libero freshman Aimee Han trailing close behind with over 100 digs and 23 aces. Co-captain and outside hitter junior Alissa Ye has accumulated over 100 kills and almost 50 aces this year, while opposite hitter sophomore Gladys Diaz de la Rosa has 100 kills. As the leader with the most blocks, middle blocker junior Chloe Chan had 28 blocks and 45 kills. 

Although these individual achievements are monumental, the Lady Hawks’ teamwork is what helps them heighten their level of play. They bond through team eats in which all of the players gather at someone’s house to enjoy food, drinks, and conversations with one another. 

Their enthusiasm for hard work is best seen at practice. The girls first run six laps around the gym before proceeding onto dynamic stretches. Afterwards, they pepper, which is a common volleyball drill consisting of a pass, set, and roll-shot hit to their partner, before starting hitting lines and serve-receive drills. To wrap up practice, the team will scrimmage to replicate game-like situations. 

One of the most intense games was against Colonia High School. JP Stevens lost the first set, 14-25, but ultimately pushed through the next two sets, 25-20 and 25-18, to secure the win. After losing to Colonia last year during the GMCs, the Lady Hawks were determined to win this game, and they thought that it was their best game throughout the season. 

This year, the girls volleyball team made it through the quarter final rounds of GMCs and states, only to end the season with losses to Monroe and Old Bridge. However, the Lady Hawks are still ranked fifth in the GMC Red Division and seventh in the entire GMC standings.

“These girls have greatly improved throughout the season and have continuously demonstrated their persistence and commitment for volleyball,” said Coach Weber.

By persevering through tough situations and stubbornly avoiding discouragement, they have set a great example for the years to follow.