The Ramapo girls’ volleyball team had an extraordinary season this year, showcasing their talent and determination with an impressive 22-4 record. This remarkable achievement culminated in their being crowned State Sectional Champions, where they dominated the championship match 3-0. This win adds to their already impressive legacy, as the team also held a similar title as sectional and Group 3 champions in the previous season. Coach VanHook attributes much of this year’s success to the five returning members who played vital roles in the team’s performance. He praises their unwavering drive and resilience, noting that the “girls rarely miss” on the court. Additionally, Coach VanHook highlights the team’s commitment, even beginning the process before school in the summer. This dedication clearly contributes to their high level of play throughout the season.
This year’s roster includes seven outstanding seniors: Emily McCarthy (#3), Julia Wrona (#8), Ella Petrevski (#10), Rebecca Salmins (#13), Ellie Sanborn (#14), Toni Pernetti (#15), and Kirsten Seyffer (#20). Among them are the team captains, Ellie Sanborn, Ella Petrevski, and Rebecca Salmins, who all demonstrated exceptional leadership on and off the court.
Sanborn had a standout season, finishing with 221 kills, 337 digs, and 64 aces, showcasing her all-around play and ability to score crucial points. Ellie Sanborn plans to attend Moravian University, where she will major in nursing and compete on the volleyball team. Petrevski also made significant contributions, recording 139 digs, 686 assists, and 24 aces, proving essential in supporting her teammates on and off the court. Salmins, too, had a noteworthy season, accumulating 306 digs and 43 aces, further solidifying the team’s defensive and offensive strengths.
Rebecca Salmins comments: “Some important values we carried as a team were that we always need to keep the mindset of a goldfish. We need to be able to accept our mistakes; however, move on from them the next point. Volleyball is a game of mistakes, and you’re inevitably bound to make one. The important part is how you respond to these mistakes.” Salmins also notes that the team works hard to lift each other and hold each other accountable, citing their success as a result of the team’s tight-knit nature.
The state sectional match was nothing short of thrilling. In just three sets, Ramapo showcased its skill and teamwork to clinch the title. They won the first set 25-21, followed by a decisive 25-20 win. The team brought home the championship by sealing the final set with a score of 25-17, highlighting Ramapo’s dominance.
The season will be remembered not just for the grand trophies and titles but for the strong sense of camaraderie that developed among the players and the relentless spirit they exhibited. The girls’ volleyball team has proven its spirit this year, and the community is proud to support the talented young athletes as they continue to strive for excellence. As they look ahead, there is an undeniable sense of excitement about what will be achieved in the coming years.
