As spring rolls around and the weather gets warmer, most sports head back outdoors. Our focus often turns to sports like baseball, lacrosse, or golf. However, one team will continue to play in DeGaeta, the Volleyball team. Volleyball is Oratory’s newest program, created just last year. This young squad has already held its own and competed well against longtime high school volleyball dynasties.
While still new, this team has shown flashes of future greatness, going 5-15 overall and 4-6 in the Mountain Division. This group also swept Roselle and Roselle Catholic, both 2-0 on each occasion. In addition, this team is extremely young, with last year’s squad consisting of three freshmen, seven sophomores, and two juniors. This means the majority of this team will have two more full seasons together. Not many teams are able to have so many players on the varsity level for so long. This is sure to contribute to team chemistry and help get underclassmen lots of varsity experience.
Some players to look out for this upcoming season are Devon Fernandez and Noah Tockarshewsky. Devon Fernandez is a junior OH (outside hitter) who recorded a team high 173 kills last season. He also recorded a team high in 54 digs (preventing an opposing attack from hitting the ground) and 25 aces (scoring off the serve). His statistical dominance last season proves a bright future is ahead for Fernandez. Noah Tockarshewsky also made major impacts last year, totaling a team high 198 assists, 23 sets played, and 25 aces. Both these players are sure to make big leaps in their game this year and are ready to dominate in year two. Overall, this team is young, hungry for competition, and ready to prove any doubters wrong. The Rams will prove that age is just a number and that they can compete against any team they face.
