FALLSBURG –– Experience, communication, hustle and above all efficient service are the key elements that make for successful volleyball play. Each year at the outset of the season, teams reform with younger players coming to the forefront to replace those who have graduated. It takes a while for the chemistry to develop wherein players will know their positions and responsibilities. 

For both Fallsburg and Sullivan West in their first week of the season, it was evident that there is a lot yet to learn. But for the Lady Comets, a team returning a host of key players including Maya Ballard, Ashley Ingrassia, Jordyn-Wall-Carty, Sierra Kaplan, Iyanna Smith and Mikalah Ballard, the advantage of having played together last year proved to be a determining factor. Ingrassia’s service, in particular, was most impressive. With a leaping motion, she gave her team a great lift. 

The Lady Comets were winless last year, so beginning their campaign with a victory was a cause for celebration with each other and their coach Amy Johnson. Fallsburg has moved up to Class B this year and the competition will be that much more daunting. 

Johnson notes, “These ladies communicate really well on the court and are always looking for ways to push each other to be better. This team is going to surprise some people. They have put in a lot of hard work in the off season to develop their individual skills and to build team mentality.” 

Fallsburg’s stat line was impressive: Jordyn Wall-Carty had 12 service points, 3 aces, 1 assist and 3 kills, Ashley Ingrassia had 12 service points, 2 aces, 1 assist and 1 kill, Hannah Johnson had 3 kills, 3 blocks, 1 ace and Sierra Kaplan had 6 service points and 2 digs.

Sullivan West opened its season with a road loss to S.S. Seward. That said, the Lady Bulldogs won the first set of that match and played well, especially considering the team is extremely young with two freshmen, four sophomores, five juniors and only four seniors. While Fallsburg’s Ingrassia was lighting it up with her service, Sullivan West senior Hannah Abplanalp was doing the same thing when she got to the service line. 

As coach Helene Chappell, now in her fourth year noted, “Hannah Abplanalp lead our team with 15 solid serves against Fallsburg with sophomore Madeline Kask hitting hard with 11 successful attacks. Unfortunately, our Lady Bulldogs struggled with communication. 

“I am looking forward to a very exciting volleyball season this year. We have a healthy mix of players from grades 9-12. The girls have a great deal of potential, and they are working hard to improve their game and teamwork. We will definitely work out the kinks, and you can expect good things from our Sullivan West volleyball team. The best is yet to come!” 

Fallsburg improves to 1-0, while Sullivan West fell to 0-2. Next up for the Lady Bulldogs is a home match against Monticello on September 12. The Lady Comets are traveling to S.S. Seward today to take on the dynamic Lady Spartans.