Catasauqua’ girls’ volleyball season hasn’t materialized as anticipated, but the Rough Riders have dealt with their sense of reality. The Roughies began the week with an overall 0-14 record and have won just two sets.
“The season hasn’t unfolded as we had hoped, but we were aware that a rebuilding phase was imminent,” said head coach John Cesanek. “Having reached the districts two years prior, perhaps the expectations set were a tad ambitious, especially since we lost five of our six starters this year.
“With only a handful of returning varsity players and the rest being newcomers or promoted from JV, the challenges were substantial. We encountered more obstacles than anticipated, including a steep learning curve, team cohesion issues, and a spate of injuries and illnesses. Remarkably, we’re dealing with seven concussions this year, surpassing the six from the previous year, which has undoubtedly compounded the season’s difficulties.”
With a young team, Cesanek has been impressed with his team’s efforts against Executive Academy, Salem Christian Academy, Saucon Valley, and Notre Dame, whom he viewed as challenging opponents.
However, Cesanek has been concerned with the team’s inconsistency with their competitive levels.
“A persistent issue is our fluctuating energy levels; we either rise to the occasion against formidable teams or falter against less challenging ones, lacking consistency,” stressed Cesanek. “Addressing this could have potentially led to several victories.”
Madison Monberger leads the team in aces with 33 followed by Makayla Bird and Kara Gruver with 14 each. Monberger also has the highest serving percentage at 91% followed by Maliya Walp (90.5) and Kara Gruver (87.8).
Makayla Bird has the most kills (34) with Amber Faust (22), and Monberger (11). Kennosh Browne has a team-high 0.66.7 hitting percentage. Kira Kiel is a 0.33.3 and Alyssa Baker 0.25.
Amber Faust has six blocks and Bird, Walp and Aylssa Baker each have five. Monberger leads in assists with 33, and Walp has 24. Gruver has the most digs with 72, Yaneisha Martinez has 49, and Walp has 45.
Through the season, Cesanek has seen his share of growing pains.
“Our team has consistently received accolades for its defensive prowess and aggressive serving, and this season has continued that trend,” he said. “However, we are currently struggling with basic passing techniques, which has hindered our performance against most of the teams we’ve faced.”
With six games left, Cesanek is confident his team can work to the next level.
“We possess the necessary talent and skills; the challenge lies in harnessing them effectively,” he said. “The players have been provided with all the requisite knowledge and skills; now, it’s up to them to execute. While I cannot teach confidence, it is cultivated through daily commitment on the court, independent of performance. As a coach, it’s difficult not to see the confidence that they should have, yet I am certain it exists within them.
“As coaches, it’s disheartening when the team has talent but lacks chemistry, which can’t be forced and has been our weakness lately. Nevertheless, we’ve implemented changes and established new ground rules, and things are beginning to improve. We’re excited about our upcoming games.”