Conference Preview: UCC

<p>We have done it! We are at the final conference preview and it did take longer than I anticipated but each conference deserved their recognition. Week 2 of the girls’ high school season has come and gone with some high-quality volleyball. Last up is the UCC! The Union County Conference has talent at every position on the court making it difficult to give recognition to everyone. Let’s take a look at the favorites, dark horses and players to keep an eye on. </p> <p><strong>Last Season</strong></p> <p>In the UCC, it came down to a fight between three squads: Westfield, Dayton and Summit. Unfortunately, none of the teams faced each other head-to-head. So, it would come down to winning percentage if it was too close to call. Westfield, however, had other ideas and went unbeaten in conference play to lay their claim at the top. </p> <p><strong>Favorites</strong></p> <p><em>Westfield</em></p> <p>At the top of the UCC, Westfield is always in the discussion as they are an extremely well-balanced squad. The team did lose their top two hitters and top two setters statistically from last season. However, this a team that always reloads and with many players still returning. They will be right there at the end when it’s said or done. </p> <p><em>Dayton</em></p> <p>Dayton is one who sees their top hitter and setter returning this season. This is a squad who took home a sectional title and have tasted the sweetness of victory. This season it will be for them to take a step in the conference and take down Westfield. The talent is there to do it so it will be a question of holding it together all season long. </p> <p><strong>Dark Horses</strong></p> <p><em>Kent Place</em></p> <p>A team that many thought were going to be contenders in the spring was Kent Place. This team continues to have major talent offensively speaking. However, [player_tooltip player_id="99862" first="Sabrina" last="Skyers"] opted out in the spring which led for [player_tooltip player_id="154733" first="Lauren" last="Osuala"] emergence. Now, with Skyers back with Osuala and [player_tooltip player_id="99856" first="Iman" last="Handy"], they are a three-headed monster. Watch out!</p> <p><em>Governor Livingston</em></p> <p>Last up is Governor Livingston. This is a team that is solid defensively as everyone buys in on the defensive end. It does not matter who it is but they make it difficult for opposing teams by normally returning balls that sometimes look impossible. It gives them an edge that not many teams have which make them a threat every match. </p> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <p>Brooke Gyory (Gov. Livingston; MB)</p> <p>Samantha Janker (Dayton; OH)</p> <p>Vivian Roberts (Summit; OH)</p> <p>Taylor Addis (Westfield; O)</p> <p>Maya Saez (Roselle Catholic; S)</p> <p>Melania Acampora (Scotch Plains-Fanwood; OH)</p> <p>Jeanine Castro (Linden; DS/L)</p> <p>Mirka Cordova (Plainfield; S)</p> <p>Haiden Fuhrmann (Union Catholic; MB)</p>