Volleyball Semi's - Preview

Again, my ghost volleyball expert has thrown in some info … assuring that I get a semi-final’s preview in. Last week, I was caught up at family event at night, so I was unable to attend the Saturday games. But, without delay here’s the out-look.

What’s happened?

The ghost said: The tournament to date has really been without much drama. There has been only 1 “upset” with Morris Knolls over Mt. Olive, but that was probably a pick’em match to begin with. Mt. Olive has a hard time with their serve receive and with rally scoring that is usually a major problem. Briana Horohoe did a nice job of running the offense and Bernadette Ventre and Kaylee Monga put the balls down.

The Coach says: It’s true, most seeds held to form and usually do. Home court is a huge advantage in volleyball and always seems to be. Mt. Olive has been running a dream season and pushed Chatham in their 2nd game, falling 25-23. Hannah Ensel became the Mauraders all time leader in assists in the MCT game against Knolls. The advancement of Morris Knolls to the Semi’s should not surprise anyone. Coach Denure will always have his team improving as the year progresses. Let’s see what “The Master” can do in rematch with Chatham.

The Ghost’s take on the semi-finals:

#1- Chatham vs. #5 – Morris Knolls:

Chatham is clearly the class of Morris County (if not the state). They are one of the most well rounded teams in Morris County history. They have one of the top setters in Marika Racibarskas, an outstanding outside hitter in Casey Read, a much improved middle in Emily Flanigan and a fine libero in Lindsay Gill. Morris Knolls will have their work cut out for them. MK is a very scrappy team that does not let many balls hit the ground. The setter, Briana Horohoe, gives them excellent senior leadership and they do have some hitters that can terminate. MK needs to be at the top of their game and hope for Chatham to have a really off day….

#2 – West Morris Central vs. # 3 Mendham

This has a chance to be the match of the tournament. Last year the 2 sister schools met in the semis and WMC sweated out a 3 game match with the game 3 final at 25-23. Of course, WMC went on to win the MCT as they have in each of the 7 years of the tournaments existence. This year’s WMC team is truly a team effort. The team has no real superstars, but they have great depth and may play together as well as any team in the tournament. They have height in the middle with Sophomore Kelly Maguire and strength at the outside with senior Rebecca Martini. But the key will be the play of much improved setter, Kelly Mulcahy. Mendham has perhaps the county's best all around player in junior outside hitter, Megan Lynch. However, a big question mark is how well she can respond to a recent illness that kept her our a week (see Daily Record article).

Mendham has a terrific serving team and will rely on how well senior setter, Danielle Vanderbulke can get the ball to Lynch and Danielle’s sister, Sophomore middle, Dominique. I expect this match to go to 3 games again.

On the WMC/Mendham match: It was a great match, Mendham won in 2 (27-25 and 26-24)... I believe that is the first time WMC has lost to Mendham.... I wonder when they last lost to another Morris county team? It should be a great rematch on Saturday. Mendham was very poised and won despite being down 23-21 in both games.... Megan Lynch of Mendham is a great player and although she still looked sick she had many big kills (probably 10,11), a couple of aces and passed very well... the opposite Jen Scala hits the ball very hard and had many key kills...... WMC setter, Kelly Mulcahy is much, much improved and really got the balls to her hitters.. a few less hitting errors and WMC could have won... the gym was quite crowded and loud... all in all it was a fun match to watch with a high level of skill... I am looking forward to seeing the rematch on Saturday and the Chatham/Morris Knolls match as well....

The Coach’s take on the semi-finals: It’s volleyball and anything can happen. You never want to see anyone have an off day in this tournament, but it has been known to happen. Look for Morris Knolls to throw as much blocking as they can at Chatham. Basically anything to throw off their swings. Do not expect Chatham to be phased as playing in the mid-season tournaments will really help the Cougars on Saturday. One thing is for sure, it is very difficult to play at such a top notch level and win so many games consecutively at the high school level. The games are getting tougher for Chatham, who has been breezing through teams until this week. If there is a team that can upset the Cougars and not be intimidated, it is Knolls. But in all honesty, the Eagles will have to be dead on with their swings, cause havoc at the net and maintain their excellent serving ratio. Plus the status of Marika Racibarskas’ injury is key. Obviously Chatham has been doing well and has kept on their winning ways.

West Morris and Mendham split (home & home). You can bet that this will the match of the night! My question is: Who has the advantage? Mendham finally beating West Morris? Or West Morris – since do you see a team beating West Morris twice in row? I love the idea Coach Grasso as instilled in her players about searching for treasure. I am sure the Highlanders will show up ready to play.