Preview: WMC Volleyball Set to Spike Competition

Having a successful and proven formula for success year-in, year-out causes the West Morris Central volleyball team to constantly hold itself to a high standard.

This year will be no different.

After winning both the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference and the Morris County Tournament last season, the program hopes to capture the one title that proved elusive in 2010—the state sectional championship, where they lost in the tournament finals to Old Tappan.

“That’s our goal, to repeat as conference champs, repeat as county champs, and get the state title back,” said Highlanders Head Coach Jim Balella.

Doing so won’t be an easy task, however; the Highlanders lost five seniors—captains Chrissy Baffuto, Morgan Blair, Alisa Ryncarz, and Jess Uphoff and outside hitter Morgan Cross—who they will be trying to replace during what they hope is another championship run.

“We lost a big group with a lot of experience,” said Balella. “You look to the seniors to lead teams as a whole group, so I’m looking to them to step it up.”

The Highlanders also have plenty of talented underclassmen that look to compete for playing time, as well.

“I’ve got a big team this year. I’m looking at a roster of 16, 17 girls, which is big,” said Balella. “It’s hard to make that many girls happy, but along with that, it’s gonna make for a lot of good, healthy competition in practice with people vying for varsity playing time. In that aspect, it’s good to have those numbers.

“The girls are working really hard,” continued Balella. “I’m looking to the seniors, but I’ve got some juniors and some underclassmen who are pushing them.”

One of those underclassmen is returning letter-winner Jilli Zarzycki who, alongside her teammates, has been training for an opportunity to break into the starting line-up all summer long.

“So far, we’ve done a lot of conditioning. A lot more than last year, more intense, and more regular, which has really helped us in our playing,” said Zarzycki. “It’s helping us more to get in the game.”

Coming together as a team has also been important for the Highlanders, both on and off the court.

“We’ve done team bonding. It helps the girls get together more and get to know each other more, so we’re better on the court,” said Zarzycki.

If they can come together, the Highlanders should have no problem duplicating their recent success. Balella, for one, is optimistic.

“The girls are working hard, and I think we’re gonna be very successful this year again,” said Balella. “I’m looking forward to the season.”