Each drill conducted by the Montclair High girls volleyball team at a recent practice used a number as a goal, whether it be 40 consecutive digs by the entire team or 25 successful transfers during a three-on-three game before moving onto the next task.
The Mounties practiced with a purpose; steadfast on putting the time in during the preseason to reach a number-oriented goal they couldn’t attain last year. Despite finishing at 12-10, Montclair was under .500 at the State tournament cutoff for the first time in three seasons, eliminating its chances for a tourney run.
While sweat and skinned elbows will help MHS toward its goal, another factor is important to coach Major Jennings.
"With the familiarity some of the girls have who are returning, we have a better chance of maintaining a more consistent level of play during this season," said Jennings. "In [the NNJIL], winning the games you should win and also some swings games are imperative. We didn’t always do that last season when we needed to, but I can’t foresee that being a problem this year as our leaders are a year older."
Seniors Katerina Simeonidis and Jasmine Bowen team up with junior Sotiria Simeonidis, Katerina’s sister, as Jennings’ captains. The younger Simeonidis is the Mounties’ best server and has started since her freshman year. She will also line up at outside hitter.
Bowen, at 5-foot-9, can hit from the outside, block in the middle or step back and become a setter, making her Montclair’s best all-around player.
Katerina Simeonidis will set from the back row for her sister.
"Volleyball is a small sport in terms of numbers. That we have three captains, a third of the team, shows how important our captains are to our team and that they take the role seriously," Jennings said. "The other girls on the team really respect Sotiria, Jasmine and Katerina."
What Montclair lacks in varsity experience up front it makes up for in height. Six-foot-1 junior Torri Hines-Allen, a JV standout last season, 5-foot-11 junior Catherine Cantine and 5-foot-10 sophomore Erin Casey will look to provide a steel curtain as the locals’ frontline. The trio will also rotate at outside hitter with Sotiria Simeonidis.
It is Cantine’s first time playing high school volleyball, and Casey, while talented, will need to develop her varsity game.
"You can’t teach height, so we are lucky in that respect," said Jennings. "All three of our girls up front are naturally athletic. It’s just a matter of channeling that ability into volleyball."
Jennings will also work senior Cassandra Iton early and often into the frontline rotation. Classmate Hy-Keon Glass will set and dig in the back row for MHS.
Shana Keir, a sophomore, is the Mounties’ libero. The libero cannot attack or block the ball, but can enter the game in a defensive set during any dead ball.
"I like how the team is progressing right now," Jennings said. "This is a really good group in terms of getting along, and the cohesiveness off the court can only help our play on the court."
Montclair opens the regular season at home on Friday, Sept. 12, against Paramus Catholic at 4 p.m. Immaculate Heart, Holy Angels, Ridgewood, Paramus and Clifton will all be tough foes for Montclair in the rugged NNJIL.
"We beat who we were supposed to beat last year, but we lost the swing games and couldn’t pull off an upset," said Jennings. "The schedule is the same this year, but our captains are a year older and can let the younger girls know what it takes to be where we want to be.
"Our leaders and their experience are vital to our success."
