Vernon volleyball ready for season
VERNON — Beyond techniques and strategies, one thing any team must remember when stepping onto the court to face the Vernon High School boys' volleyball is to be ready to compete.
Veteran head coach Jeff DeYoung has a well-prepared program and the players who are willing to give their best effort, regardless of how impressive the opponent is during any given match.
After finishing with an overall record of 10-12, including a 7-5 mark in the West Jersey Volleyball League in 2014, the Vikings are poised to challenge their opponents with focus and determination this spring. Vernon advanced to the NJSIAA North 1 Sectional Tournament quarterfinals before losing a three-set match to top seeded and eventual state champion Fair Lawn last year.
Among the key players on the varsity lineup for the Vikings this season are Logan Costello (senior, outside hitter), Luke Venskus (senior, middle blocker), Brandon Kinsella (senior, middle blocker), Stephan Thomsen (junior, opposite), Eamon Logue (junior, outside hitter), Tim Ploch (junior, middle blocker), Chris Ploch (sophomore, outside hitter/libero) and Parker Shade (sophomore, setter).
“I expect Logan and the Ploch brothers to emerge as leaders of this squad," DeYoung said. “Logan has the most varsity experience and has really come into his own. He will be a statewide player to watch. The Ploch brothers have a steady, focused demeanor combined with, in Chris’s case, significant varsity time as a freshman."
DeYoung has zeroed in on the areas at which he’d like to see the the team continually improve upon as the season progresses.
“[I want our players to] learn the nuances and speed of the game, increase our volleyball IQ and ability to read the game, improve our level of play in and out of our league, qualify and advance in the NJSIAA North 1 Sectional Tournament for the ninth consecutive season," DeYoung said.
The Vikings will face some strong opposition in league competition this spring.
“I honestly think Harrison will be the early frontrunner for the league championship and that Jefferson can provide a solid challenge," DeYoung said. “I’d like to think we will be in that mix, but the key to our success will be how well we have improved from last season. We have the potential to be a solid team if we can put all of the pieces together."
Vernon has a home game against Summit scheduled for April 10.
“We had an uncharacteristically low turnout this year, which made it difficult to install and tweak our lineups," DeYoung said. “However, through the benefit of eight scrimmages, everyone was exposed to the speed and expectations of the varsity game. We have the potential to do great things this season, provided we all play our parts and roles, and maximize our opportunities."