A Promising Season for Varsity Volleyball

Harvey’s varsity volleyball team is gearing up this fall for a run at a Housatonic Valley Athletic League (HVAL) championship on the strength of a battle-tested roster of talented returning players. After falling in the HVAL semifinals last season, the Cavaliers are determined to make it to the finals this fall.

“This year we’re counting on building on the experience and team chemistry from last year, “ head coach Denis Arnautovic said. “All key players are retuning, which should help us to find rhythm earlier in the season,” added the coach who begins his fifth year at the helm. Assistant coach Michelle Menacho returns for her second year.

Providing team leadership are two captains, senior setter Kira Ortega and junior libero Iliana Hellinger, the team’s co-MVPs last season and HVAL All-League players. Coach Arnautovic expects Ortega to have another standout year. “Kira’s energy and hustle, combined with the experience from last year, will make her a vital part of our success,” the coach said. He also expects another big year from Hellinger, who was an All-NEPSAC selection last season. “Even more than last year, Iliana will bring stability and leadership to our team,” Coach Arnautovic said, adding, “Iliana is the glue to both of our lines.”

Four other returning players should play vital roles to the team’s success. Senior Savannah Thompson’s outstanding athleticism should result in racking up points and blocking on defense. Coach Arnautovic also thinks highly of the team’s three returning sophomores, Giselle Grant, Sophie Peters, and Emily Sorio. The coach is excited to see the continued development of Grant, named Most Improved Player last year. “Giselle’s aggressiveness at the net will be very important for us and our ability to compete,” the coach said. He expects Peters to be very important for the team in the serve-receive game. “Sophie’s passing and serving improved from last year and will bring great value to the team this season,” Coach Arnautovic said. As for Sorio, the coach said she has the ability to help both on defense as well as offense and “has demonstrated a lot of improvement in her game in preseason practices.”

New to the team this season are two juniors, Gabriela Pastor Iriarte and Gabriella Bonilla. “They will provide us with high percentage serves and a solid defense,” Coach Arnautovic said.

Looking ahead to the season, the coach believes reigning HVAL and NEPSAC Class C champion Christian Heritage is the team to beat.

Harvey opens the season on the road Tuesday, Sept. 13, against Greens Farms Academy.