Teams that have Impressed Early-On in the Season

<p>The high school season is underway. Some teams have been playing for a couple weeks while others are just starting their seasons. It has been great to have high school volleyball back when a year ago, we never thought of this being a possibility. The volleyball has been nothing short than phenomenal. The level and quality of play is up there. Some teams have surprised early on in the season with some fast starts. Let’s take a look at these five squads that have caught my eye. </p> <p><strong>Oakcrest (CAL)</strong></p> <p>Oakcrest is a squad that finished second in their division behind Cedar Creek last season. This season their 7-0 so far including a victory over Cedar Creek already! </p> <p>The squad has been lead by a two-headed attack of seniors Cassie Booth and Maddy Connelly. Both players have been lethal hitters so far with both over 27 kills so far. Oakcrest has put themselves early on in this season to be a real threat to win the conference. </p> <p><strong>Union City (HCIAL)</strong></p> <p>Union City is a squad that has been off to a fast start going 6-0 (5-0 in HCIAL). The team has been handling business, not dropping a set yet this season. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="128494" first="Nathaly" last="Flores"] has not skipped a beat being the focal point of the squad with 56 kills to lead the way. Natalya Hechavarria has been one who has raised eyebrows with her pristine passing. She has 121 assists through six games!</p> <p>The squad will be tested this week as they take on the powerhouse in No. 4 Hudson Catholic. </p> <p><strong>Hasbrouck Heights (NJIC)</strong></p> <p>Hasbrouck Heights has jumped out to a fast start in a deep NJIC conference. They’re 4-0 so far. Nicole Dallara has been the focal point of the squad leading the way with 32 kills on the outside. Dallara is one who has all the tools. </p> <p>The team has looked poised on the court with everyone on the same page. The play has been fluid and ensures an opportunity for them to be a real threat in the NJIC. The NJIC squads are only playing their teams in their division for the regular season. </p> <p><strong>Paul VI (Olympic)</strong></p> <p>Paul VI has been nothing short than dominant early on in the Olympic conference. The squad is off to an unbeaten 6-0 start. The team was right there a season ago, but I did not see them to have this great of a start. </p> <p>The squad has been led by a balanced offensive style with four players with 10+ kills on the season. Sophia Horn and Giulianna Bersani have been catalysts with both players playing setter. You can see how much of an impact they have on the game watching them play. </p> <p><strong>Summit (UCC)</strong></p> <p>Lastly, we have Summit from the UCC. Summit is 6-0 in the Mountain division and have been a prominent squad with a majority of their season already played. The squad only has 3 regular season games left and look like a potential threat to be unbeaten to finish the regular season. </p> <p>This team has balance offensively and defensively. On offense, they have 4 players with 20+ kills. Kasey Walsh spreads the wealth perfectly as the setter always knowing where everyone is on the court and who has the hot-hand. Kiera Stocks leads the defense with 51 digs. </p> <p>All of five of these squads are just some that have caught my eye. This season may be one of the best ever as I can tell that many teams are even this season. This could be a year where the top dogs may be dethroned!</p>