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Earlier in the season, coach Matt Kingsley spoke of turning Glen Rock into one of the top volleyball programs in Bergen County.
Through 25 games, the Panthers are 16-9, and performed well enough to earn the No. 12 seed in the Bergen County tournament.
In the opening round on Oct. 19, Glen Rock dispatched Wood-Ridge, 25-13, 25-13.
Kingsley believes his team’s seeding reflects a respect for the program’s success this season from the seeding committee, but the second-year coach noted the Panthers lack a signature win against a marquee program, “to really put us on the map.”
Facing Kingsley’s alma mater, Paramus, in the round of 16 on Oct. 26 at Old Tappan represented a chance to earn a program-defining win. However, Glen Rock lost 25-17, 25-16.
The day before, the Panthers were dominant in victory over Hawthorne, 25-12, 25-12.
Leading up to that contest, Glen Rock was a game out of first place in the NJIC Colonial Division before falling to Elmwood Park (25-20, 25-23) and Rutherford (25-19, 25-18). That left it in a second place tie with Elmwood Park.
The Panthers followed up the win over the Blue Devils by dispatching league mate Garfield, 25-15, 25-14 on Oct. 22.
Junior outside hitter Meghan Donohue is leading Glen Rock in almost all statistical categories (stats as of Oct. 25). She’s recorded 49 aces, 236 kills and 235 digs.
“Meghan has really stepped up for us all season,” Kingsley said. “She plays big in big games for us.”
The Panthers have received consistent play at the setter position from sophomore Killeen McDonald (47 digs, 11 aces, team-high 359 assists).
Kingsley said it took some time for McDonald to settle in, likely due to this being her first varsity season.
Senior opposite hitter and co-captain Mikaela Waller “has really stepped up her attack,” posting 19 aces, 62 kills and 171 digs.
Senior libero and co-captain Courtney Schmitt “has been solid”, notching 45 aces and 201 digs.
The coach also said that senior middle hitter Kelly Streaser (26 aces, 45 digs, 23 kills) and junior middle hitter Alexa Garrido have been playing their best volleyball recently.
Junior middle hitter Rebecca Nathanson (9 aces, 39 kills, 43 assists, 21 digs) performed admirably at setter for two games while McDonald was out.
Junior defensive specialist Arissa Gazda (47 aces, 112 digs) “has been serving tremendously for us.”
Junior outside hitter Lee Maitner “has been making solid contributions all season for us,” including 65 kills.
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