Volleyball Team Upbeat About Year

Experience and year-round players just maybe what turns the season for the Westfield High School girls volleyball team.   

Head coach Bev Torok has a solid group of experienced players as she prepares them for their dual match season opener Sept. 13 at Roselle Catholic. Westfield will take part in the Jersey Classic at Paramus Saturday.   

The Blue Devils qualified for the state tournament last season, but want to do much
more.   

"We have a big turnout,'' said Torok, who'll be entering her 16th season. "So much in fact that we're hoping to put together a freshman club team.''   

The Blue Devils will be led by co-captains and seniors Jennelle Abbattista and Emma
Partridge. Abbattista is a setter, and Partridge an outside hitter.   

Junior libero Grace Antonelli returns as does junior outside hitter Amanda Earl and
senior utility player Christine Pyo. Freshmen defenders Kaylee Baez and Elena Scarano and freshmen setter Kayla Rodriguez have been very promising in the pre-season.   

"Having Jenelle as a senior setter is key,'' Torok said. "It's going to depend on
how our hitters develop. My backline with Grace and and Elena is pretty strong.''   

Also back is senior opposite right side hitter Abby Flaherty.   

"She didn't get a ton of practice or playing time, but she has improved,'' said the
coach.   

Torok said she'll carry 15 players on the varsity.   

"This year we're going to have some really young players -- the freshman class has
some extraordinary athletes,'' Torok said. "We're going to keep the three on the squad.

I know the other sports have some outstanding freshmen too.''    Junior middle hitter Morgan Bowen, a former gymnast has switched to volleyball and
has impressed the coach with her aggressiveness.   

"She played some club ball and this year decided to come out for the team,'' Torok
said. "She'll see a lot of playiing time. She's asking for the ball and wants to hit every single one of them . She's really getting the hang of it.''