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North Pocono’s girls varsity volleyball team is off to a stellar start this fall in Wyoming Valley Conference action.
Under the direction of rookie Coach Joanne Perry, the Lady Trojans have won four league matches and suffered only one loss.
“This is just a wonderful group of girls,” Coach Perry told The Villager. “They are very teachable and such hard workers. It’s a pleasure working with them.”
As has been the case in years past, North Pocono’s main competition for a WVC title this fall will be Holy Redeemer and Delaware Valley. The Lady Trojans are set to play at Redeemer Wednesday. However, they won’t see DV until October 18.
“We’re really looking forward to both those matches,” said Coach Perry. “The girls are working hard in practice and we’re getting better all the time.”
Tourney Time
This past weekend, the Lady Trojans traveled to Plymouth to compete in a tournament hosted by Wyoming Valley West.
North Pocono turned in an outstanding overall performance, winning eight straight matches in pool play and earning a spot in the medal round.
Unfortunately for local fans, the Lady Trojans came up just a bit short...absorbing a tough 25-23 loss to Lackawanna League powerhouse Dunmore.
“We played very well,” said Coach Perry. “It was a great experience for the girls. We were focused and driven and united...and those are three qualities that help you win championships.”
Alyssa Hammill led the North Pocono attack. A senior who excels on defense, Hammill played well enough to earn a spot on the all-tourney team.
“That’s extremely rare for a libero,” said Coach Perry.” Girls who play this position aren’t usually recognized like that. Alyssa did a fabulous job and she deserved to be an all-star.”
On-Court Leaders
North Pocono returns a battle-tested group of veterans, including eight seniors and a junior.
Lizzie Lisiecki is one of the Lady Trojans’ most polished players. She lines up at outside hitter and is a bona fide force at the net.
“She’s our best all-round player,” said Coach Perry. “Lizzie can pretty much do it all. She serves well and is a terrific passer.”
Junior Kelly Bray anchors the offense up front. North Pocono’s 6’1” middle hitter is the type of player who strikes fear in the hearts of enemy blockers.
“Kelly consistently gives us huge blocks,” said Coach Perry. “She has a couple of moves that are really effective weapons at the net.”
North Pocono’s girls varsity volleyball team is off to a stellar start this fall in Wyoming Valley Conference action.
Under the direction of rookie Coach Joanne Perry, the Lady Trojans have won four league matches and suffered only one loss.
“This is just a wonderful group of girls,” Coach Perry told The Villager. “They are very teachable and such hard workers. It’s a pleasure working with them.”
As has been the case in years past, North Pocono’s main competition for a WVC title this fall will be Holy Redeemer and Delaware Valley. The Lady Trojans are set to play at Redeemer Wednesday. However, they won’t see DV until October 18.
“We’re really looking forward to both those matches,” said Coach Perry. “The girls are working hard in practice and we’re getting better all the time.”
Tourney Time
This past weekend, the Lady Trojans traveled to Plymouth to compete in a tournament hosted by Wyoming Valley West.
North Pocono turned in an outstanding overall performance, winning eight straight matches in pool play and earning a spot in the medal round.
Unfortunately for local fans, the Lady Trojans came up just a bit short...absorbing a tough 25-23 loss to Lackawanna League powerhouse Dunmore.
“We played very well,” said Coach Perry. “It was a great experience for the girls. We were focused and driven and united...and those are three qualities that help you win championships.”
Alyssa Hammill led the North Pocono attack. A senior who excels on defense, Hammill played well enough to earn a spot on the all-tourney team.
“That’s extremely rare for a libero,” said Coach Perry.” Girls who play this position aren’t usually recognized like that. Alyssa did a fabulous job and she deserved to be an all-star.”
On-Court Leaders
North Pocono returns a battle-tested group of veterans, including eight seniors and a junior.
Lizzie Lisiecki is one of the Lady Trojans’ most polished players. She lines up at outside hitter and is a bona fide force at the net.
“She’s our best all-round player,” said Coach Perry. “Lizzie can pretty much do it all. She serves well and is a terrific passer.”
Junior Kelly Bray anchors the offense up front. North Pocono’s 6’1” middle hitter is the type of player who strikes fear in the hearts of enemy blockers.
“Kelly consistently gives us huge blocks,” said Coach Perry. “She has a couple of moves that are really effective weapons at the net.”
North Pocono’s setter this fall is Nicole Malec. A rock-steady and reliable senior, Malec recently recorded 16 assists in a 3-0 sweep of Dallas.
“Nicole is really coming on strong,” Coach Perry said. “She’s learning a bunch of new options with all our overloads and crosses...so, she’s always in the mix.”
Two of Malec’s main trgets are Megan Morrell and Alyssa Strausser. Both are 5’10” seniors and each is an intimidating presence in the front row.
“Megan brings some big blocks to the court and Aly-ssa is probably our most consistent player. They are both great weapons.”
Kayla Kishbaugh and Miranda Miaris are also contributing key plays. Kishbaugh is a 5’9” senior whose motor is always running on the court.
“Kayla never lets down,” said Coach Perry. She’s always hustling and she learns quickly. She gives us big blocks in the middle.”
Miaris is North Pocono’s serving specialist. Another member of this talented senior class, Miranda usually delivers a lightning strike from the line.
“She’s a power server, no question about that,” said Coach Perry. “Miranda keeps our offense rolling and the other team’s defense back on its heels.”
By the Numbers
As The Villager went to press on Monday evening, North Pocono had won four of five matches.
The Lady Trojans opened the campaign with a 3-0 sweep of Valley West (25-19, 25-15, 25-18). They followed that up with a loss to DV, but bounced right back to post wins over Coughlin (3-1), Hazleton (3-0) and Dallas (3-0).
