Teams to Watch Out for in 2021: Mount St. Mary
We’re inching closer to the opportunity of having volleyball this spring as we have transitioned into 2021! These girls’ opportunity to play the game they love is starting to become a reality. There are teams with…
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Continue ReadingWe’re inching closer to the opportunity of having volleyball this spring as we have transitioned into 2021! These girls’ opportunity to play the game they love is starting to become a reality. There are teams with a great chance to have monster seasons’ who came up just short in 2019. One team to watch out for is Mount St. Mary.
Mount St. Mary was a good team last year with plenty of depth and gave everyone playing time to be able to showcase their ability. Yes, the squad was led by some seniors like outside hitter Madison Wright and setter Margaret Brautigan. This team has plenty of depth with a majority of their core returning. Mount St. Mary will be a team challenging for the Skyland. This presents a grand opportunity for them to improve off of 20-10 record.
The team is bringing back some outstanding talent and have the potential for a something special. The squad finished fourth in their division. Then finishing with the fourth best record overall. The team was somewhat successful in postseason play even though they lost in the quarterfinals of the Somerset County Tournament. Then, in the NJSIAA tournament, Mount St. Mary lost in the second-round to powerhouse Union Catholic in the Non-Public section.
Some players to look out for are Mariella Hilyard Mariella Hilyard 5'11" | OH Mount St. Mary | 2022 State NJ , Claire King and Lauren Kibalo. This team is going to be looking for Hilyard to build off a monster sophomore campaign with 140 kills and 55 digs. She led the team in kills as a sophomore. Now, as an upperclassmen she will be looked upon as the leader of this squad.
King is also a junior this upcoming season. As a sophomore, she was splitting time with upperclassmen and still showcased her potential with 63 kills, 33 blocks and 23 digs. Her athleticism is what makes her a problem for teams to defend as she’s very creative in using her athleticism to her advantage in the middle. Expect her to step up as the top option in the middle.
Lastly, we have Lauren Kibalo. Kibalo is expected to be the on who steps in on the outside and opposite to fill the void where Wright was. She still showcased her potential with 38 kills. I expect a breakout campaign for her in her senior season. If she steps up to the plate, watch out!
My concern for Mount St. Mary is: will they be able to replace Brautigan at setter. Brautigan was the main passer on the squad and it will be intriguing to see how the position is filled. My expectation will be Reagan DeMarco who played in a limited capacity. She has the potential so I’m optimistic she can handle the pressure.
This is a squad that has 10 players returning which will allow them to be right there. Don’t be surprised if this team is right in their in the conference. They will need to take a match by match approach with teams like North Hunterdon and Montgomery standing in their way.