Thomas Jefferson girls volleyball keeps momentum building with win at Derry tournament

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, September 21, 2018 | 8:12 PM

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Thomas Jefferson’s girls volleyball team capped its first two weeks of section play by taking first place at the Derry tournament.

The Jaguars defeated Norwin in the championship game, after turning back Connellsville and West Shamokin in the previous two rounds, all by scores of 1-0.

TJ coach Ron Kelly has been experimenting with his starting rotation in the early part of the season.

Most recently, the rotation consisted of junior setter Abby Chalovich, juniors Tyler Turk and Natashia Yanief at middle hitter; juniors Tanner Patrick and Ashleigh Haines at outside hitter; sophomore Lillian Rockwell at right-side hitter; Micklo and Fiedor in the back row; and Moran at libero.

“The Derry tourney was fun,” Moran said. “We learned a lot about who we are as a team. I think we played a strong, focused game at each position. The work we put in at practice every day is showing.”

The Jaguars opened section play with victories against Uniontown, Belle Vernon, Albert Gallatin and Ringgold; along with an impressive nonsection win at home against South Fayette.

Fiedor and Micklo have formed a gritty, athletic defensive tandem for the Jaguars this season.

“I thought we all played well individually at the tournament, which made us work even better as a team,” Fiedor said. “We had an excellent team effort that definitely contributed to our win. Everyone played with enthusiasm, and we were all there to win. We fought for every point, and we improved as a team gradually throughout the day. I was very proud of our performance.”

Micklo was proud of her team’s championship effort at Derry.

“We worked really hard to achieve this win,” Micklo said. “Something that has helped (us) is our confidence in each other. We play together; the team effort stays strong the whole time. I also think our ability to focus on scoring one point at a time allows us to stay calm.

“High intensity and energy from everyone on the team helps keep the morale high. We wouldn’t have the undefeated streak we’ve maintained without it.”

Seniors Jackie Rush (RS), Mia Como (DS) and Alanna Lynch (MH); junior OH Kaitlyn Urbanowicz; junior defensive specialists Jenna Kisner, Anna Janosko, Julia Putignano and Bella Regna; and freshman OH Julia Palmer round out the TJ squad.

“I️ feel we are a focused team with a common goal,” Como said. “We are all pushing to make it as far as we can, and to hopefully bring home another WPIAL championship.

“We are a team with a lot of depth. We hope to continue to improve throughout our season.”

Rush, meanwhile, relishes the “family atmosphere” on this year’s team.

“I love our team,” Rush said. “They’re family to me, and that is how we pull through things such as the Derry tournament. We are so focused and so helpful with each other that we know how to get over mistakes when we make them and come out on top.

“We’re so prepared for anything coming, as well as having so much depth at each position. We always have someone ready if someone’s having a bad day.”

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Thomas Jefferson