Talented Trio Paces H-ton Girls’ JV Volleyball
Talented sophomores Rachel Moss, Alexandra Heuwetter and Caroline Lenze paced the Huntington High School junior varsity girls’ volleyball team this fall.
The Blue Devils finished with a 1-11 mark under first year coach Elizabeth Vogelsang, but the final record was less important than the experience the players gained over the two month season.
“My team was mixed with many girls who had not only never played volleyball, but never played on a sports team before,” Vogelsang said. “To see them grow from start to finish and view how much they improved was the highlight of the season. For instance, I saw many serve the ball over the net by the end of the season when they weren’t able to prior. With almost every skill, I can say each athlete proved to be a better player.”
Moss and fellow sophomore Deanna Morales captained the team, which consisted of 12 players. Huntington’s lone victory came in the final match of the season against Half Hollow Hills West.
Moss shined as a setter. “Rachel is a very knowledgeable athlete with a very beautiful set,” Vogelsang said. “She is a true leader who has helped myself and the team tremendously. She also has a very powerful serve.”
Heuwetter was a standout center. “She is a very committed and dependable player,” Vogelsang said. “Alex is one of the most athletic individuals that I have ever worked with. Her strengths are shown in each aspect of the game.”
Lenze dazzled as an outside hitter. “Caroline is a very aggressive and competitive athlete with a powerful hit and serve,” Vogelsang said.
In addition to the three talented sophomores the roster also included Veronique Daniel, Myasia Gaskin, Jaime Ioppolo, Annabella Matheus, Deanna Morales, Shaye O’Beirne, Nicole Sevilla, Elizabeth Vollack and Sophie Wylie.
Despite the lopsided record, Vogelsang was pleased with her players, saying they have “great potential.” She thought there was improvement with “all” skills and that the group “learned the meaning of what a team truly is.”
Looking ahead, Vogelsang said “there are a solid five [JV] players who are capable of playing on the varsity team” next season. “With some young talent on varsity mixed with some of the girls that will be pulled up, I truly believe varsity will have a solid squad,” she said. “JV will take a big step forward as well.”