Volleyball preview: Jefferson hoping to finally hang banner
JEFFERSON – Sierra L'Altrelli can't help but notice whenever she's in the gym at Jefferson. There are banners for every varsity team, recognizing conference, Morris County and Sussex County Interscholastic League titles, and even state championships. But the Falcons volleyball team isn't represented.
At least, not yet.
Though Jefferson volleyball has consistently improved since it was launched in 2007, and even attracted a devoted following within the student body, the team has not won a championship. The Falcons set a school record with 17 wins last fall, growing from six when head coach Marc Gaydos took over four years ago. The players believe this will finally be the year volleyball joins all the other sports near the rafters of the gym.
Jefferson is certainly a contender in the revamped NJAC-Independence, along with reloaded Kinnelon. The Falcons also want their first NJSIAA Tournament victory, after three straight invitations.
"It's tough, because we do have such high expectations," said L'Altrelli, a senior setter. "There is a lot of pressure, but at the same time, there's a lot more that we can still do. ... Our aspirations are not going to go anywhere just because we did well. We want to leave a mark on the school, more than just a record written down on a piece of paper. We want something that says, 'Hey, look at us. We're real now. We're not just a team that was created because every other school had one.'"
Even with a senior-laden roster, L'Altrelli and outside hitter Kim Kibildis are the only two who have been on the team since freshman year. L'Altrelli — who will be stepping into the starting lineup in place of now-graduated Renee Lopez — and junior Julia Murawinski have both spent three years on the Jefferson varsity.
Murawinski, a 6-foot-2 middle hitter, set school records with 209 kills and 55 blocks last fall, and also had 207 digs. The Falcons' leader at the net, Murawinski has been working with a trainer on better pinpointing her hitting and passing. Junior Schyler White, a former middle and opposite, has moved outside.
Jefferson also added a full-time freshman team, and grew from 26 players in the program to 47. Many have been preparing at open gyms three times a week since July 26, building chemistry as well as skill. Gaydos has been switching the lineup during preseason scrimmages, but predicted five of the seven starters will be non-seniors.
"Everyone knows their positions, and everyone is competing right now," White said. "We just work as hard as we can to get to that spot, and once we prove ourselves, we'll get in the starting lineup."
Jefferson even has its own "Bleacher Creatures," who customized T-shirts, made hats out of old volleyballs, and even wear the girls' jerseys when the team switches to hot pink in October.
"The energy they gave us was great," said Murawinski, who is also on the basketball and outdoor track teams. "They see the excitement of the game, and the rallies and stuff. They see how much they get into it. They love the game and watching us play."
Staff Writer Jane Havsy: 973-428-6682; jhavsy@dailyrecord.com; www.dailyrecord.com/writerjane/
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Megan Braden, Montville senior outside hitter: Braden will be expected to lead a young Mustangs squad, after the graduation of most of her long-time teammates and friends. She had 194 kills, 153 digs and 61 aces as Montville set a school record with 26 wins and reached the Morris County Tournament final for the first time.
Katherine Clark, Madison junior setter: Clark broke the school record with 644 assists as the Dodgers reached the Group II final last fall.
Judy Erichetti, Morristown senior outside hitter: A 5-foot-10 second-year captain, Errichetti should blossom with a stronger supporting cast. She had 215 kills, 144 digs and 52 aces last fall.
Lauren Kornmann, Roxbury junior middle hitter: Tall, athletic and versatile, Kornmann had 215 kills, 37 blocks, 58 digs and 31 aces last fall.
Julia Murawinski, Jefferson junior middle hitter: A 6-foot-2 middle hitter, Murawinski set school records with 209 kills and 55 blocks last fall, and also had 207 digs.
Gabriella Savite, West Morris senior outside hitter: Already a three-year varsity starter, Savite will once again lead an inexperienced Wolfpack squad. She led West Morris in kills (192), digs (259) and aces (40) last fall.
Isabella Tighe, Kinnelon senior outside hitter: Tighe led the Colts with 155 kills last fall, and also contributed 69 digs and 86 aces.
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