Every senior a leader on DV girls' volleyball team

By Josh Lashley
MILFORD — A team of even talented athletes may have only one player who can serve as a trusted, reliable leader. This can lead to a less-than-stellar performance.
The 2016 Delaware Valley High School girls' volleyball program doesn't have that problem.
The team has a whole host of leaders — indeed, every senior on the squad is focused, dedicated, and skillful. The results so far have been impressive.
Delaware Valley, won the PIAA District 2 AAAA League Championship with a perfect 17-0 record. Along the way, they accomplished a landmark triumph over Holy Redeemer.
This year’s senior class includes Tara Sayles (middle hitter), Hannah Gallagher (middle hitter), and Timea Strenk (libero). Bridget Crawford, the head coach, is pleased with the ways in which Sayles, Gallagher, and Strenk conduct themselves, especially when it comes to their fellow teammates.
“Our seniors are responsible for being the liaison between the players and coaches,” Crawford said. “They help with keeping the energy level high during practice and organize team-building activities. Our seniors are doing a great job bringing the team together on and off the court.”
The Warriors have defeated some top-notch area opponents thus far this year, which is a testament to the commitment made by the coaching staff as well as the student-athletes on the roster.
“Our team has improved as a whole,” Crawford said. “We beat Holy Redeemer for the first time and broke their 188 league winning streak. The team took sixth place out of 36 teams at the Clarkstown South Invitational, and we took second in the Silver Bracket at the Burnt Hills Cider Challenge.”
As Crawford stated, the entire team is getting better and better, and that includes two members of the Class of 2018.
“Brooke Williams, a junior outside hitter is one of the best well-rounded players in the league,” Crawford said. “She continues to help our program succeed in each competition. Kristin Volvaka, a junior setter, continues to improve each week as well with understanding her dynamic role on the team.”