On November 6th, 2024, the St. Benedict’s Gray Bees varsity girls’ volleyball team battled Villa Walsh Academy in the first round of the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Playoff. The girls were in high spirits as they warmed up in Villa Walsh’s Sr. Doris Lavinthal Athletic Center gymnasium. Despite the persistence displayed, the Gray Bees could not defeat Villa Walsh.
While the girls’ volleyball team has participated in state tournaments, this was the first time the team competed in the NJSIAA North Non-Public B Tournament.
Villa Walsh had first possession, and following a serve by their #23, they immediately took over the set. Lilliana Gallo (#4) proved to be a key player when defending her court, and Arielle Lopina (#9) ended the game with seven digs. Villa Walsh was still hard to keep up with, and the score hit 10 – 4. The sidelines provided encouraging support, but communication and speed were lacking on the court. At 25 – 13, Villa Walsh took the victory in the first set.
The GrayBees brought renewed energy to the second set. Though Villa Wash initially took the lead, the Gray Bees worked hard, and libero, Valeria Maldonado (#11) scored a kill that brought the score to a 9 – 9 tie. Maldonado, also a star defender, finished the game with six digs and three assists. The Gray Bees were able to extend their lead to a score of 14 – 9 before the pressure became almost tangible. Villa Walsh was able to bring the score to a 15 – 15 tie, but the Gray Bees did not stop their fight. The game was tight, with each team taking turns scoring a point. Villa Walsh, however, took control and won the 2nd set by a score of 25 -20.
When asked to reflect on the season, middle blocker Cecilia Ferreira (#14) says “I just want to say congrats to the team. I think besides everything, we did amazing. For the season we learned a lot, even me who’s been playing forever. [In] the freshmen, I’ve seen some great improvement, even in the juniors too, and I hope they come back next year.”
The team agrees that communication and energy were weaknesses. Captain and Setter, Arielle Lopina ‘26 (#9) says the team goals for next year are to “Bond together more, and elevate teamwork. Skill set is one thing but I think it’s more about working together and communicating as one.”
“Thank you to everybody who supported us,” says middle blocker Roselyn Gomez (#15). “We appreciate it so much and we’ll see you next season.”
