Vernon boys volleyball looking toward successful season

VERNON — Focus, dedication, confidence and consistent team work are some of the many attributes that the Vernon High School boy’s volleyball program possesses not only this season, but for the past several years.
The 2015 season was yet another successful one for the Vikings as they finished with a solid overall record of 13-6 and advanced to the NJSIAA North 1 Sectional Tournament as the No. 11 seed and defeated sixth seeded Clifton 2-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-20) in the opening round. They were then defeated by third seeded Wayne Valley.
This spring, they are hoping to once again be a force to be reckoned with against divisional and non-divisional opponents alike. It won’t be a simple task, but the Vikings are well prepared to go head-to-head against the tough competition on their schedule-as can be witnessed by recent results.
Through April 8, Vernon had a 3-0 record.
“The varsity program collected its 250th win in a season-opener sweep of West Milford (25-16, 25-22 on April 4), while I collected my 250th varsity win the next day in a three-set victory over Pope John (25-23, 23-25, 25-19)," Vernon coach Jeff DeYoung said.
Key student-athletes returning to court for the Vikings this spring include Chris Ploch (junior, outside hitter), Tim Ploch (senior, setter/right side), Eamon Logue (senior, middle blocker), Stephan Thomsen (senior, outside hitter) and Parker Shade (junior, setter/right side).
Ethan Kolonoski (junior, middle blocker) and A.J. Rodriguez (junior, libero) are promising newcomers to the varsity roster for Vernon.
“The Ploch brothers, along with Parker Shade bring along significant varsity experience coupled with a steady, competitive demeanor which allows them to not get rattled easily," DeYoung said. “Having post-season experience throughout their careers to date in volleyball helps them manage others in crucial moments."
On April 21, Vernon has a home match scheduled versus Harrison and on April 26 they are slated for a road match at Summit. On April 29, Vernon will host Pope John.
“We want to qualify for postseason play for the 10th consecutive season and challenge for the WJVL divisional title,’’ DeYoung said.
“I think we can contend for our division title," DeYoung said. “With eight teams in our league now, we split into two divisions of four teams each. I feel every team in our division is a team to beat. Pope John played us tough this season already, Dover could be on the rise and Jefferson has consistently played at a high level."