What a Hit! Girls Volleyball Finishes Regular Season Undefeated

Anna Voronova ‘23 leaps for a spike against Riverdale-Kingsbridge on November 18. *Photo: Nafisa Haque*

By BELINDA YONG and LEQIAN YU

With contributions by Michael Onysko

The girls varsity volleyball team came back stronger than ever, finishing the regular season undefeated with an 8-0 record to place first in the division and 3rd seed in playoff brackets citywide. Their playoff run ended with a tense semifinal loss to Bronx Science 2-0 on November 21 at Abraham Lincoln High School.

The defeat was not under ideal circumstances, as the team was missing one of its starters.

“We had been working the entire season with the same lineup, and unfortunately we couldn't do that, but we gave our 100%,” said head coach Mr. Tommy Ma. “The score was so close. 25-22. That was the spirit to be able to fight. Although one of our best players was not here, we had the confidence to step in.”

The Hornets took top places in all five tournaments they participated in this year, including first in the Fort Hamilton and Seward Park tournaments, and second in the Francis Lewis, Cardozo, and John Jay tournaments. Two years ago, the team lost to John Jay in the quarterfinals at a home, losing the third tiebreaker set 29-27.

Coach Ma’s leadership played a significant role in the success of the team, players said. “He’s an amazing coach,” Hoxha said. “He’s hard, but he does it out of love because he wants to see us succeed.”

The season began on August 16 with pre-season training and tryouts before moving to practice every day after school, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. most days. Making the playoffs resulted in additional Saturday practices from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

“Every practice, we focus on a new skill, like passing or hitting, and perfect it to the best of our ability,” said Captain Deanna Vinitiski ’23.

Outside hitter Janis Wu '23 scores a kill against Fort Hamilton. *Photo: Isaac Cheung*

The Hornets faced restrictions due to Covid-19. Many schools, including Midwood, either do not allow spectators or require them to be over 18 and vaccinated, which limits the people who can come watch a match. Playing to a small crowd has at times been deflating.

“I haven't been able to experience playing in front of a lot of people, and I felt like that could make me a better player,” said Emma Boggins '23, a middle blocker.

“Because of Covid, nothing feels the same,” said Vinitski. “Since there are no spectators, it’s not as fun or exciting. Having spectators and family members watch us play would always lighten the mood.”

Players were also required to wear face masks during practices and games.

“Everyone seems to be accustomed to it,” said Mr. Ma. “However, on the performance side, [wearing a mask] definitely impacts their ability to compete at some points, especially when it comes to tough games where they need a high volume of oxygen exchange. We have been training our players to adapt to the challenges Covid has caused us.”

Most of all, the players were happy to be back in action. “I think I speak for everyone when I say that anything is better than nothing,” said senior Regina Hoxha, an opposite hitter. “Without these guidelines, sports competitions may not have been possible.”

The girls find many rewarding aspects of volleyball.

“I like the excitement on the court,” said said Janis Wu ‘23, an outside hitter. “You're excited and nervous at the same time. But once you play, everything around you goes quiet and you just focus on one thing.”

“It's hard to get out of bed and feel motivated to go to school,” said Theano Liodakis '24, a defensive specialist. “I come in every day just because I'm looking forward to practice after.”

The team also recognizes its weaknesses. “In some situations, we have to be more precise with our play," said Mr. Ma. "Sometimes we still have some confusion about who’s getting the ball, so we definitely have to work on communication a little bit more.”

“Our team bonding is strong, but we sometimes have trouble communicating on court,” agreed Emma Contes '22, a libero and captain.

Besides the action on the court, the team has also been a place to find a community of people who share similar passions.

“I joined the team because I like being surrounded by people with the same interests as me, and I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself,” said Wu.

“Honestly, for me, going to tryouts was one of the best decisions I've made in a while,” said Chloe Mister '23, a setter. “We grouped together so much more than before, and I feel like overall we're just a family.”

“I'm not even upset about the season as much as to see [departing players] leave, and that's something we'll have to process,” she said.

This season will be the last for the seniors and for Vinitski, as she is moving to Texas.

Looking to the 2022 season, with six seniors graduating and one junior transferring, the team will have to find new main starting setters and outside hitters. But the Hornets have high hopes for their future.

Ajlina Cekic, a setter, captain, and graduating senior, said, “You guys are going to do great next year. I feel like I'm comfortable leaving Melanie [Yin, the junior second starting setter] to set. I know you guys are in good hands and I'm proud to be a part of it.”

“I think as long as we do our part, everyone should be fine,” said Hoxha.

“Next year is looking strong,” said Manager Isaac Cheung ’23. “The team really wants to win the championship. This loss is being used as an opportunity for growth.”

Contes explained that the team builds bonds on the court, giving them an opportunity to “have a sisterhood” and a place they could call home that can stretch across distances and last into next season.

“I made so many connections that I feel like, if I came back here next year, it would still be my home,” said Vinitski. “We all came together and we were all just so caring and supportive of each other.”

“This is another family,” Mr. Ma said. “Volleyball got us together, so hopefully we will just continue with this culture.”