Gateway boys volleyball looks to bounce back

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, April 6, 2018 | 11:00 PM

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After starting the season with a 3-1 win over South Park, the Gateway boys volleyball team went on a bit of a slide in Section 3-AAA play, dropping three straight matches to Penn-Trafford, Latrobe and Penn Hills.

“We have a young team, but I see a lot of promise in the team dynamic,” first-year coach Kate McCauley said. “As long as the guys continue to work together, we will continue to improve throughout this season.”

Senior captain and outside hitter Mark Bozievic added: “Despite the slow start, as a team we still have a positive mindset. We are putting the work in at practice, we just need to be able to execute when it matters.”

McCauley is looking for her two senior captains — Bozievic and middle hitter John Paul Kromka — to step up for the younger guys and lead the team both on and off the court.

“The main aspect we need to focus on improving on is our consistency,” McCauley said. “We need to get back to that winning mindset and be able to move on to the next play when we make mistakes.”

Bozievic added: “We have a great chemistry between all the guys on and off the court. Communication is very important, especially while we are in this winning drought. We just need to play more loose and as a team and we should be able to get back on track.”

After finishing 2-12 last year in one of the toughest sections in the WPIAL and falling short of the playoffs, the win against South Park was a good start to bouncing back this season.

“I thought we looked good and excited to play in that first one against South Park, and we were able to come out with a big win,” McCauley said. “We have looked rusty at times, but it is still early and we will look to focus on ironing those out as the season goes on.”

Right now, the focus for the Gators (1-3) is improving and continuing to battle for section wins.

“Every year, we want to improve on what we did last year until we get to where we want to be and understand it won't happen overnight,” McCauley said. “We all expect more from each other, and we will continue to work every day.”

Gateway was scheduled to play Plum, Carrick and Norwin after deadline for this edition. The Gators will head to Hempfield for a section match at 7 p.m. Thursday.

“We know that we are in a great section, but we want to be more competitive,” Bozievic said. “As a senior, I think my goals are higher because it is my last year. My goals are for us to make a run and give ourselves a chance in the playoffs.”

Cody Scott is a freelance writer.

Tags: Gateway