Club Volleyball Team Wins Regional Title

Berkshire County Volleyball Club's under-15 team took the gold medal Sunday in Tolland Conn., during the New England Volleyball Association's Junior Olympic Tournament, competing against teams from throughout New England. 

 

Berkshire's U15 team is comprised of 14  volleyball players and is coached by Lenox High coach Greg Geyer. The club, directed by Bessana Cabe, has four teams: two U18 teams, a U16 team and this U15 team.

 

The U15 team went undefeated (6-0) in pool play and won all sets in the playoffs to post a perfect 10-0 record.    

 

"The positive team attitude coupled with total effort on every point is what sets us apart at crunch time," Geyer said. "We had several great service runs during the playoffs that were supported by amazing defensive plays to keep our rallies moving."

 

In the playoffs, swing hitter Katara Mullet of Pittsfield High lead the team in serving with an amazing 13 aces in 24 serves. Swing hitter Morgan Hayden of Lenox and Middle Kelsey LaFreniere of Wahconah each added three aces as well.

 

"Our defense was anchored by Libero Jessica Warren and Madison Benlien (both of Wahconah)," Geyer said. "Jessica had seven of our team's 15 digs in the playoffs."

 

Setter Riley Nichols of Pittsfield had 10 assists to go with her perfect serving and solid defense while opposite hitter Oriana Van Slycke of Mount Greylock helped pace the offense, defense and serving throughout the tournament.

 

Everyone on the team contributed to the win including: swing hitter Taylor Hoffstedt (Mount Greylock); offensive specialists Santana King (Mount Greylock), Laiken Cornwell-L'Hote (Wahconah) and Danielle Sweet (Monument Mountain); right side setter/attackers Francesca Gigliotti (Wahoncah) and Katie Colvin (Lenox); and middle Alyssa Mack (Monument Mountanin)

 

"Our offense is centered around our middle hitters and we can run either an International 4-2 or 5-1 effectively," Geyer said. "I am really looking forward to the next NERVA event and the continued progression of this young group of dedicated student athletes."

 

"Our team is large compared to most Junior Olympic teams and in spite of its size players and coaches from other clubs often comment on how unified we are and how well we play together." 

 

The New England Volleyball Association is part of the United States Volleyball Association. New England has 98 U15 teams alone.