Boys volleyball team has 6-3 record

Against very tough competition, the West Milford High School boys volleyball team is finding ways to achieve victory this year.

Many components have helped the Highlanders earn an overall record of 6-3 in matches played through April 30.

Among them is leadership from the senior captains on the roster, Sean McNally and Matthew Landoline.

“Both of the captains have been here all four years,’’ head coach Jason D’es Verney. “Both have shown a great commitment to learning and playing the game and also in being great teammates. They have stepped up organically into the role by showing leadership and in communication with fellow players.”

D’es Verney likes the team to choose the varsity captain.

“During our initial team meeting during our first practice, I polled the team for their vote for the captain. I want the players to make the recognition for the honor, so they are invested in the process and are supportive of their choice.’’

Both captains have made their presence felt in positive ways on the court.

“Sean will be the program’s new front-runner on total number of digs in his career,’’ the coach said. “He recently topped his 300 career dig against Wayne Hills (on April 19) this season.

“Matt has been a journeyman in playing a variety of positions on the team but will be settling into the Middle position for his final season this year. So far this season, he has accomplished 28 kills, two blocks, 24 digs, two assists and three aces.’’

Landoline and McNally have made noticeable improvements as volleyball players this year.

They have improved in “basically in every skill as they both have learned the game from scratch and then continued to excel more and more each year,’’ D’es Verney said.

The coaching staff takes pride in how the captains help to motivate their teammates.

“After four years of team experience, the biggest way they help other players is by displaying great technique and performance in games,’’ D’es Verney said. “They are always communicating to other players about our process/strategy/systems of game play.

“They take an active role during practice and drill execution to make sure that exercises are done right and up to expectation. They lead by holding themselves and their teammate accountable for actions and performance.’’

The Highlanders are scheduled to host Lakeland in a Big North Conference Independence match Monday, May 8.

Several student athletes have helped contribute to the team’s success.

“Jayden Huber (a junior Setter) has 112 assists, Michael Paulison (a junior Libero) has 29 digs and Kyle Arciniega (a junior Outside Hitter) has 23 kills,’’ D’es Verney said.

“Andre Christ is our team’s other Middle player who was injured at the start of the season but is starting to work his way back into the starting lineup after knee surgery. At 6 feet 7 inches, he will be a big contributor to defensive blocking and to our offense.’’