September 18, 2009
Pats D-termined to reach the top
Alexis Waters had a team-high 10 digs for Secaucus in a win over Harrison.
Click Here for more photos from Harrison at Secaucus.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – For years, Secaucus has been the class of the BCSL National in girls volleyball. But for the Patriots, the goals are higher than just a conference title. After falling in the semifinals of the Group I tournament the past two seasons, Secaucus has displayed an added emphasis on defense early on this season.
That added emphasis and confidence paid off for the Patriots who earned a 25-14, 25-14 yesterday over BCSL National rival Harrison.
“I would always say that we’re a pretty good offensive team, but lately our defense (has picked it up),” Secaucus head coach Tiffany Aciz said. “We’ve picking up a lot of balls we haven’t in the past. It’s just because the players have a lot of heart and don’t want anything to drop.”
Junior Alexis Waters led the defensive charge with a game-high 10 digs to go along with four aces and four kills. She also had a key block in the second set to help put the match away. Shannon Waters and Tara Roarty had six digs apiece.
The Patriots (3-0) set the pace right from the start. After allowing the Blue Tide (1-2) to score the opening point, Secaucus scored 10 of the next 11 points to control the match. The Patriots had a similar start in the second set, winning the first six points.
“Momentum plays a key role in the whole way our game goes,” Aciz said. “If we get off to a good start usually it pushes us to keep going.”
With momentum clearly in their favor, Shannon Waters took over in the second set recording four kills in a span of eight points to give Secaucus an 18-10 lead. Overall she finished with a game-high nine kills along with five assists.
“She’s going to give a lot of teams trouble,” Harrison coach Larry Manning said. “She’s a tremendous player. She’s got all the tools.”
Freshman setter Danielle Roesing helped set up Shannon Waters’ exploits with 11 assists. Roesing also had four digs. Courtney Piccini had four kills, three digs and two aces in the win.
Paulina Walega led the Blue Tide with seven digs, four kills and three blocks. Shirley Torres and Karen Ramirez also added seven digs apiece. Ramirez and Brianna O’Donell chipped in with three kills each.
Aciz and the Patriots know that this win was just one more step towards their ultimate goal of a state championship. If they are going to win the title for the first time since repeating in 2005 and 2006, it will be built upon that defensive attitude.
"The players have a lot of heart and they don't want anything to drop," Aciz said. "I strongly emphasize defense. Defense wins championships and offense wins games."
Harrison's Karen Ramirez had seven digs and three kills in defeat.
1st |
2nd |
|
| Harrison (1-2) | 14 |
14 |
| Secaucus (3-0) | 25 |
25 |