Friday, October 12, 2007

By Rich Barton
NJS.com Staff Writer

NORTH BERGEN – Memorial of West New York has been the most dominant girls’ volleyball program in Hudson County over the past two decades. The Lady Tigers have racked up numerous titles over that span, and were considered the gold standard for the rest of the county to shoot for. But after losing the county title to Bayonne last year, the Tigers felt they had to start back at square one and refocus with a new, more relaxed attitude.

That all starts with the example set by the captain, and senior Michelle Del Valle was happy to take that leadership role. Behind the four-year starter’s play, the Tigers seem to be on their way back to the top.

The Tigers led for all but one point of the match as they blitzed North Bergen to remain unbeaten in HCIAA play with a 25-8, 25-8 victory on Thursday afternoon.

“We’ve always had some good teams since I’ve been here, but this team is different,” said Del Valle. “I think it’s because we’re all so close off the court as we are on the court that helps us. We’re relaxed, but we play hard because we don’t want to let each other down.”

Johanna Gonzalez served an ace on the first point of the match. However, that would be North Bergen’s only lead and the Tigers quickly opened it up. Jen Vaccaro drilled consecutive aces to cap a 7-0 run for a 13-4 lead, and Memorial never looked back.

The Tigers showed no signs of letting up and scored the first five points of the second game. They continued to pad their lead until Stephanie Tonzan’s kill closed out the match.

“The girls are very close off the court and we’ve started to jell as a team on the court lately,” said Memorial head coach John Wengerter. “I think the girls just enjoy playing together and that starts with Michelle (Del Valle) and her positive attitude. We don’t look past anyone and take everything one game at a time.”

Del Valle had eight assists, seven service points, four digs, and three aces for Memorial (12-2, 11-0 HCIAA). Vaccaro finished with 10 service points, three digs, and a pair of kills. Carolina Chica added five assists, four service points, and three kills.

Stephanie Herriera notched a match-high seven digs for North Bergen (4-10). Tiffany Lorincz chipped in with four service points, three aces, three digs, and an assist.

“Right now Bayonne has earned to be called the best team in the county, but we feel we’re right there with them,” added Del Valle. “Our goals for this year are to win counties and to go far in the states. It’s my senior year and I hope we can keep getting better and end it on a positive note.”

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