By Jimmy Allinder
The Monroe Township High School girls’ volleyball team (19-6) came up short in its bid to defend the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Tournament title, but the Falcons still enjoyed another successful season.
The 19 victories represent the most in school history for the regular season and the team captured its first White Division championship. Since it became a full-fledged varsity program three years ago, the team has an overall record of 48-16, which represents a .750 winning percentage.
“We were very pleased with how the season went,” head coach Michael Collins said. “Winning the division title was one of our goals, and it happened because the girls demonstrated a strong will to win throughout the fall. They battled every day to become better, and that helped breed a competitive environment. That is what it’s going to take to continue being successful.”
Senior captain Emma Trask did not finish as a team leader in statistics but was recognized by the GMC coaches for her all-around play by being named to the conference all-star team. Collins said Trask led the Falcons in hitting percentage — a statistic that doesn’t jump out on the scoresheet — and was always a valuable contributor in addition to being a strong leader. Her 118 kills were second to team leader junior Aya Cariaso.
Cariaso, who rotated outside, was also second in digs (50) and aces (33). Junior setter Simone Girgis led in assists (411) and was third in blocks and aces.
Senior libero Mariah Thompson led the team in passing percentage and digs (60), and she added value as a steadying influence in the back row. Senior Sara Turkowitz had the most aces with 37, and junior Melissa Miller contributed 38 blocks.
Collins is optimistic about the growing popularity of girls’ volleyball at Monroe since it was instituted as a club program in 2007.
“It appears to be increasing from my perspective,” he said. “The girls are playing throughout the entire year now, and more and more players are getting involved at a younger age. We’ve had success the past few years and, as I said, that has attracted more girls. Everybody really enjoys being part of the program, both on and off the court.”
