After a 15-14 record last season and a tough loss in the semi-finals to McNair, the Cinnaminson High School boys’ volleyball team is looking for redemption this season. Currently 16-5 after a big win (2-0) against Sterling on senior night Thursday, the Pirates are determined to continue their five-game winning streak.
“I am looking forward to a lot of wins,” varsity Head Coach Robert Spier said.
In preparation for this season, much of the team had been preparing in their free time during the off-season.
“We did a lot of off-season work – you know – beach volleyball, club volleyball, and we did a lot of traveling deep in PA to play the sport,” senior captain Nasir Paige said. “It was a lot of off-season work we all did together, which is helping us this season.”
After graduating three seniors at the end of last season, the team has found two new starters this season in sophomore Chris Leetz and junior Josh Luban.
Assistant Coach Charles Casey recognizes the impact the graduated players had on the team, but also says he likes the dynamic the new players bring to the team.
“Gabriel Anjos from last year, I know a lot of our players were friends with him, he was always a good presence on the court so losing him was tough but, I think because we have a lot of experience that the new kids coming in this year are all mashing together well,” Casey said.
The season’s starting lineup consists of senior Andrew Zimecki as the setter, Paige and Leetz as the outside hitters, senior Jarrett Edwards as the libero, senior RJ Trampe and Luban as the middle blockers, and junior Timmy O’Connor as the opposite hitter.
The coaches worked together and selected seniors Paige, Edwards, and Zimecki as this year’s captains.
“They all show great leadership on and off the court,” Spier said.
As captains, they lead with experience and by example, especially for the younger players on the team.
“As the captain, I lead the team with my knowledge of the game and giving helpful pointers,” Edwards says. “I take pride in being someone to come to for advice and tips.”
Edwards currently leads the team in digs with 195 while Paige has 157 kills to date. Thirteen of Paige’s kills came in the match against Burlington Township where the Pirates won 2-0.
With this being his first year playing varsity, Leetz has made a strong debut, contributing 76 kills and 38 digs on the season so far.
“We are in a super hard division this year, but we are more concerned with the state playoffs,” Coach Spier said. “We know St. John Vianni and McNair will be tough competition in the playoffs.”
After falling to McNair in the semifinal round of playoffs last season, the team has focused on improving their communication and trying to be more aggressive on the court this season.
The boys will take on Kingsway away on Friday, May 10 at 5:15 p.m.
