The Montclair Girls Volleyball Team punctuated a historic season by winning the Super Essex Conference Liberty Division. It was a season of firsts and bests for the senior-laden team. This was the team’s first regular season title in any division. The Mounties have participated in the American and Liberty Divisions but have been a mainstay in the Liberty for the past few seasons. The lady spikers enjoyed their first 10-game winning streak, received first-round byes in both the SEC and NJSAA tournaments, appeared in the first SEC quarter-final match, and were awarded the first home match in the states. Drawing the 5 and 8 seeds in the NJSIAA and SEC Tournaments respectively, posting win-loss records of 13-6 overall and 10-2 in the division are also bests in program history.

“Players are always the straws that stir the drink”, Coach Reilly said. “Without them, these achievements would not have been possible.” Playing time is at a premium when there are ten seniors and only six starting positions. While seniors Jaimee Keys, Catherine Carlson, Hani Munetsi-Bullen and Vivian LoCicero consistently held starting positions, the staff was able to capitalize on the unique abilities of seniors Zoe Barrack, Nicole Mazzeo, Sydney Martin-Grimes, Angelica Gallardo and Lena Turner as well. Maya Burke returned to the team after a knee injury sidelined her for 7 weeks, providing an added burst of energy on the court.

The junior class was not to be outdone, however. They were led by 3-year starting setter Camila Herrera, Middle Hitter Carlie Holm and Libero Katarina Hube. Holm and Hube were first-year Varsity players. Post-season conference honors went to Keys and Herrera who were selected 1st Team All Liberty Division. Keys was also awarded the team’s Offensive Player of the Year and Herrera was the MVP. Honorable Mention nods went to Carlie Holm and Katarina Hube. Holm received the team Newcomer Award. Keys led the team in kills with 133, Herrera was tops in aces (89), assists (333) and digs (99). Holm had a team-best .293 hitting percentage and Hube was in the top three in aces and digs.

This year’s team has set the bar high for future seasons. The Liberty Division win could see the team bumped up to American, the SEC’s top division. If so, Reilly hopes her team will meet the challenge head-on.