On Sept. 8, the Del Val varsity volleyball team played their home opener against Bernards High School, with Del Val winning the game in two sets.

After winning their first game against Bound Brook the week before, spirits and expectations were high. The team started the first set with a range of grades, from senior Julia Hirsch to freshman Shea Krutsick on the court. During this set, Libero Riley Liskowacki celebrated 200 carrer digs, which is when a player prevents a hard-hitting spike from hitting the ground.

With resilience from the players and cheers from the team, Del Val won the set 25-17.

The next set, Del Val started with the same lineup, and the girls determined to win. With a ten-point long serve streak from Abbie Simpson, the team knew they knew the game’s fate was sealed. Del Val won the last set 25-12, with a final score of 2-0.

First year full-time varsity coach Amy Simpson is looking forward to the rest of the season, expecting the team to not only achieve their goals, but supersede them.

“So far, they’ve done so much hard work,” Coach Simpson said. “We’ve been really focused mindset and teamwork. The connection that they have has been really evident in our play.”

Throughout the game, Finley Busch led with four kills, Riley Liskowacki led with 16 digs, Ellie Fisher with nine assists, and Abbie Simpson with six aces.

“I’m just super proud of every single one of them, all the way to JV and Freshman,” Coach Simpson said. “They play hard every day.”

Del Val’s volleyball team is stacked with games, and their next home game is Monday, Sept. 14 at 5:30pm against Watchung Hills.