By NOAH INOFF and ZAARA MALIK
The Jericho girls varsity volleyball team had a winning season due to many of their younger players stepping up in big moments. The team’s chemistry and optimism were crucial in this year’s success.
The girls maintained a strong 9-6 record which included an impressive win over the previously undefeated Valley Stream South. Head coach Allison D’Antonio started the season with a positive mindset. “My expectations were we had nothing to lose and they had everything to lose,” she said.
Freshman Janelle Jasper proved to be a pivotal player this year even at the young age of 15. Jasper contributed to the impressive win over Valley Stream South with 10 kills, 4 aces, and 9 digs. Senior Zaara Malik appreciated the freshman players’ efforts. “The freshmen had a really big role when it came to our chemistry on the court. They had the skill set that carried us, they are really easy to work with and they adjusted really quickly,” she said.
The girls created a deep connection throughout the season that can only be described as a family. Freshman Melanie Jernigan said, “We created a sisterly bond by giving each other advice and hanging out with each other.”
Jernigan is new to the school district and was grateful for the team’s inviting mentality. “They were really welcoming, and it really translated onto the court,” she said.
Even during losing plays, the girls stayed positive. Whenever the team lost a point they huddled together to support each other and then won the next play. After the impressive win over Valley Stream South, freshman Janelle Jasper was pleased with the team’s interaction. “We worked really well together and we communicated,” she said.
Off the court, the girls demonstrated their drive and spirit by raising over $1,600 with their Dig Pink bake sale; a tradition that the girls volleyball team has participated in for years. This year they teamed up with the boys varsity volleyball team, and together were able to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. In addition to the bake sale, both teams showed their support for Dig Pink by wearing all pink accessories to their home games in late October.