Week Eight - Futures are Set…
10/30/22
Volleyball seasons are virtual rollercoaster rides. There is the excitement and antici……….pation (for all of you RHPS fans out there) of getting on the ride…the start of the season. Then, you get the ride itself and it’s fast, full of twists, turns, highs and lows. Some people are digging it the entire time and are stoked for the final adventure, while others’ excitement turns to dread as they beg for the whole experience to be over soon as often their stomach is just done. The beginning of the final stage, or in this instance week eight, is the moment in almost every rollercoaster when the coaster is slowly dragged up the top of the final fall. The slow clack, clack, clack, clack to the summit, after all of the events prior, giving the rider a moment to catch their breath, think about what just occurred, and then deal with the suspense for the end…
The speeding up…Clack, Clack, Clack, Clack...mean playoffs are here! Win or go home time!
Here are some exciting matchups early in the playoffs that ResV Systems finds intriguing…
D1 - #4 Portsmouth vs. #5 East Greenwich - Probably the best match of the play-in games and quarterfinals section of the playoffs. Portsmouth has one of the ResV Setter of the Year candidates, Caitlin Mediate, and one of the ResV Player of the Year candidates in Morgan Casey vs. an Avenger team that has won 7 of their last 8 featuring their own ResV Player of the Year candidate in Melis Kocak. The match is at Portsmouth, and we all know how that place is during Halloween…. but what about afterwards?
D2 - #11 Cumberland vs. Westerly - Potentially Westerly… as the Bulldogs have to get past St. Rapheal’s first. However, should they do just that and go to Cumberland…this match becomes pretty interesting. Cumberland appears to have things going in the right direction again and being at home will be huge. However, Westerly seems a problem for opponents once more as they were the closest ones to upsetting Chariho last week dropping in a tough 5. It’ll be most interesting to see these Jeckyl and Hyde teams go at it in the quarters as both have the potential to go further down the road should it all come together.
D3 - #15 Scituate vs. #14 Central Falls - Well, surely not how Scituate planned it. Storybook wise, you’d like to see these teams meet in the final for the re-match, but that’s not how it’s going to unfold. Instead, it’s likely they’ll see each other in the semi-finals. Scituate will have to beat Block Island first, but should they, they’re off to the Warrior’s den. ResV Player of the Year candidate Joanna Rodrigues will be the prime concern for the visitors. They were able to slow her down a year ago…but that’s ancient history now. Does Scituate have one more magic card up their sleeve?
D4 - Hope vs. Mount Pleasant - Hope’s Head Coach, Donn Chu has done an excellent job with the club as they’ve surpassed win totals that many previous seasons have not come close to doing. It’s the reason he’s one of the ResV Systems Coach of the Year candidates for 2022. Now, his crew is the #3 seed in the D4 playoffs with a potential date with Mount Pleasant, the #2 seed, should they get past Blackstone Valley Prep. Hope has beaten both Blackstone VP in 3 and Mount Pleasant in 5 during the regular season as well as losing to the #1 seed Providence Country Day in 5. With those numbers, Hope has that 2004 Red Sox feeling to it…Why not us?
North Kingstown (15 - 2) - Skippers hold the line and get two wins. The big one was taking out the Rebels who were riding high with the win over La Salle. Skippers will host till Rhode Island College. Potentially they’ll see Portsmouth in the Semis and then either South Kingstown or La Salle in the finals. Only the Rams have nipped them, but that was a life time ago in the first week. The Rebels did push them, and who knows how that one could have turned out… Annie Draper and Tess LeFrenier will be called upon to do the majority of the heavy lifting. As with every team, the measure will be the prep put in because that’s all you can rely on when the lights get bright.
(↑ 1) South Kingstown (12 - 4) - The Rebels had a tough challenge before them. Take out the top two teams in the state with the prize being host throughout. No problem! Well, they got it done against the Rams in a grueling 5-set match. With a day’s rest, it was now to North Kingstown to see if they could upset the top seed…with a caveat… They would have to beat them in four or less, or else the Skippers would still hold the top seed anyway. Rebels were able to win set one, however when both the 2nd and 3rd sets went to the Skippers it was already over. Coach McCoy made the decision to rest his starters for set four, which was the right call considering the playoff seeding was over and they just had a 5-set thriller two days before. Hearing that some were not happy with that decision is interesting, because it may be that decision alone that could win them the state championship again.
(↓ 1) La Salle Academy (12 - 4) - The Rams loss to South Kingstown was significant only in the sense that they dropped a seed in the playoffs and have to play a quarterfinal. They’ll host Coventry. Not ideal. The Oakers are dangerous, but have not played to par. Still, it’s another match and then off to South Kingstown for what will be a grinder. None-the-less, the Rams have reason to feel good. Coventry will test, but it should be one they can handle and often the team that recently played is sharper to start the match. The trick will be, can they shock the Rebels in 3 sets, because the longer it goes the more the odds flip to SK. Somadina Amaechina will be carrying the load for the Rams from here on out.
Portsmouth (12 - 6) - The Patriots finished the regular season strong grabbing two wins on the road vs. West Warwick and Prout, thus earning a home playoff match vs. East Greenwich. It’s a tough opening round match to be sure, but at least it’s not at the Avenger castle. It should come down to Morgan Casey doing work in the middle and Portsmouth serving tough enough so that EG’s gun can’t get comfortable. The Patriots have been dominating at home during the Halloween season, but this match is in November.
(↑ 2) East Greenwich (12 - 6) - The Avengers also finished the regular season strong, winning 8 of their final 9 matches and stunning Coventry on their home floor to nab the D-1 / B regular season title. What’s their reward? The Avengers get to go to Portsmouth where all the titans fell… Gee, thanks… The singular goal for EG has to be passing well enough to get Melis Kocak and Ella Johnson good swings in space…slowing down Casey may be the other goal, but none have come close to doing that at Portsmouth. Kocak will need double digit kills for the Avengers to be in the hunt.
(↓ 1) Chariho (16 - 0) - The Chargers did it! Clean regular season sheet! Awesome sauce! Now, they have to finish the job. It almost has that feeling of the New England Patriots as they went into that 2007 season undefeated as there were some wobbles. Almost falling to Westerly this week was a red flag. EP also had them on the ropes during the season as well. Hosting throughout the playoffs does help as the cave has its advantages. Jules White and Katja Nelson will look to cement the playoff run with Lexi Cole running the show as EP stares at them from across the dance floor.
(↓ 1) East Providence (16 - 2) - The Townies did their job, though that Mt. Hope win in 5 sets was a little eyebrow raising. Regardless, it’s playoff time and EP is here for it! Good chance they’ll see that same Mt. Hope team again to start it off. From there, there will be another team, or something, but all eyes are on Chariho. The Townies want their second crack at the Charger at RIC when the lights are brightest and there is no cave to hide in. Trick will be can EP maintain their focus to get there. Cumberland may want a word too before this thing is all said and done.
Coventry (9 - 7) - Well, the Oakers couldn’t hold on and got upset on their home ice by East Greenwich. Not a great feeling. Well, at least they don’t have to go to Portsmouth. That place may be haunted! Instead, it’s to the mountain where the Rams from La Salle hold court. The last time Coventry went there it was a 3-set defeat. If the Oakers want that to change, Taylor Stevenin has to take half the court away, not let anything fall, pass nails, and Abby Spadoni and Liv Rollinson have to hit .300. Certainly possible…which is why this match-up is actually better than if they had to go to Portsmouth. “If” is the word that sits out there, almost alone…
Mount Saint Charles (7 - 9) - Bad loss, good win? Certainly, the Mounties would love to have the Cranston East loss back. In the scheme of things though, it was the Classical victory that mattered more. MSC defeating the Purple sent them to the play-in game where they get to deal with the dangerous Bolts. What’s worse is if you get out of that match, you see the Skippers, so big win for MSC. Mounties will try to upend the Rebels in the quarters with Amanda Pierce playing a key role in the attempt.
Classical (6 - 8) - The Purple ultimately fell to MSC and certainly they’d love to have that back. The ramifications of that loss put them in a tough spot. They’ll have to navigate a tough Cranston East crew featuring Sarina Marines, and should they get by them, the Skippers await. Paula Pesoa and crew will need to connect often as the attempt to handle CE and then North is quite a challenge. Ball control will be the main key.
(↑ 1) Cumberland (12 - 4) - Well, the Clippers had a good final regular season week dispatching St. Rays and Johnston. Boy was that just what the Doctor ordered. Cumberland hangs on to the third seed in the playoffs and will probably see Westerly first. Should the Clippers advance, there is potentially a big time match up with East Providence on the horizon. Playing at EP is no fun; however, they might not be entirely focused as all they can see is Chariho. If Cumberland can come in and provide doubt early, that may be enough to get them to the finals.
(↓ 1) Middletown (10 -5) - The Wave needed to split, instead they go down in back-to-back defeats from Lincoln and Chariho. It doesn’t affect the seeding too much, but certainly Middletown would have liked to get one of those and go into the “win or go home” bracket on a decent note. A good guess is they’ll see Pilgrim from the play-in games and that will be a wild affair. The Wave snuck by them in the regular season in 5 sets, so be prepared for another long match that comes down to the wire. Should they advance, their reward is to go to the cave…again…
(New) Pilgrim (9 - 6) - Pilgrim cracks the board on the last week of the season. They’re 9-6 and they’ve nabbed the fifth seed in the D2 tournament. Winning the last 5 out of 7 matches, Pilgrim should get past Rogers to see Middletown should the cards land right. The Wave did knock them down in five early in the season, but that’s a lifetime ago now. The Patriots are the hot team and Middletown just lost two. Pilgrim wouldn’t mid going to the cave…
Central Falls (13 - 1) - The Warriors are ready to go after the crown. They’ve been the best team in D3 and they have the best weapon in Joanna Rodrigues. They also have plenty of motivation as they were upended last year when they were supposed to win the whole thing. Now, they have to smite their dragon early, probably in the semi-finals. This is tricky business as if they see Scituate in the semis, and unload everything they have to get past, which will be massively cathartic, will they have enough left in the tank to finish the job? Plenty of teams see their foil early, prevail, then fall. It’s a good bet Joanna won’t let that happen…but they have to get past Scituate first.
Scituate (11 - 4) - Before Coach Reslow was named the head men’s volleyball coach at Johnson & Wales University, there was Luis Carvalho coaching championships at East Providence High School. Coach Carvahlo continues to win and at a high clip, most recently winning a championship for Scituate last year. The old man is back and he’s ready to once again make a run. There isn’t a thing Luis hasn’t seen and he’s got strategy, boy. Scituate will have to get through Block Island first, but they’re at home and should be ok. Then it’s on to Central Falls where the Grand Daddy of RI girls’ volleyball championships will once again be a thorn in the Warrior’s side. It’s always hard to bet against him.
Receiving Votes: Bay View, Tolman, and PCD
ResV Systems Player of the Year Candidates:
Morgan Casey - Portsmouth, Middle Hitter, Senior - Casey has been the focal point of the offense the first line of defense throughout the entire season. She was also practically unstoppable during the home stand where the Patriots beat everybody.
Annie Draper - North Kingstown, Opposite, Junior - Draper has been arguably one of the top pins in the state all year. She’s been incredibly tough to stop on the right and has been the player the Skippers look to when things get dicey.
Ava Brock - South Kingstown, Pin Hitter, Senior - Brock has been the most consistent piece to the Rebel puzzle. Providing pop in the left while being a solid passer, she has been the player to bring it all together.
Joanna Rodrigues - Central Falls, Pin Hitter, Senior - Easily the top player in D3, Rodrigues has been the focal point for everything Central Falls does. She has a big arm and controls the net. Only thing missing for Joanna is that state title.
Melis Kocak - East Greenwich, Pin Hitter, Senior - Kocak is the only player in RI, that is known by her first name only. You say you have to deal with Melis, not Kocak. She’s been very good this season and has been the key cog in the Avenger machine.
ResV Systems Defensive Player of the Year Candidates:
Katja Nelson - Chariho, Middle Hitter, Junior - Nelson has dominated the net for the Chargers throughout the season. Though we don’t have stats for everyone, it’s been clear that getting through on Chariho has been daunting due to Katja.
Sierra Thompson - South Kingstown, Middle Hitter, Junior - Thompson was showing signs of blocking prowess early in the season and has come on big of late. Her block technique is very good, and hitter have to pull punches to get around her.
Syd Henson - North Kingstown, Libero, Sophomore - Henson is dynamic and has range that few have. She’s quick to everything and make solid plays on the ball. She’s been aided by a good blocking crew but has also had to deal with the volume of players cutting the ball to her to avoid said block. She’s been a key advantage for the Skippers.
Taylor Stevenin - Coventry, Libero, Senior - Stevenin rivals Henson in speed and level of play. In Coventry’s system, she’s asked to take a lot of court and receive a large volume of attacks as well. Her platform is solid and more than not she’s up to the challenge.
ResV Systems Setter of the Year Candidates:
Caitlin Mediate - Portsmouth, Sophomore - Mediate has been top shelf almost from the beginning of the season. She gets to almost everything, sets a hittable ball, and utilizes strategy when selecting who gets the ball and when. Pretty good for her second year.
Gaia Copelli - South Kingstown, Senior - Copelli, the transfer from Italy, has been superb from the get-go. She did some time as part-time setter and attacker, but now has the entire offense. She’s smooth, trained well, and gets results.
Ella Maack - North Kingstown, Junior - Maack is big and physical. She is a blocker that every attacker has to be wary of and she also attacks early, often, and with success. She connects well with her pins and runs her Opp out of the back row causing a wrinkle that most don’t have this 2022 season.
Lexi Cole - Chariho, Junior - Cole’s steady hand at the helm has been a key component to the Chargers undefeated regular season. Utilizing her middle and pins to success, especially when things get tough, has been her greatest skill.
Paula Pesoa - Classical, Senior - Pesoa impressed throughout the year and was a key cog in Classical’s season. Her level was solid, she blocked well, and got the ball to her pins when she could.
ResV Systems Rookie of Year Candidates:
Kiera Mullen - East Providence, Pin Hitter, Freshman - Mullen has been a workhorse for the Townies as their opposite in her first year in the program. She’s a big arm and has done solid work throughout the season.
Abby Crowley - La Salle, Setter, Sophomore - Crowley took over the setting duties in her first varsity stint and has played well. She’s kept the ball in good spots for her hitters and been a key factor all season for the Rams.
Gaia Copelli - South Kingstown, Setter, Senior - First year in the U.S. and she’s been a major contributor for the Rebels. See her description in the Setter of the Year candidate’s section.
Syd Henson - North Kingstown, Libero, Sophomore - Henson has played a huge roll for the #1 ranked Skippers all year. See her description in the Defensive Player of the Year candidate’s section.
ResV Systems Coach of Year Candidates:
Donn Chu - Hope High School - Hope eclipsed their win records from the past considerably this year and Coach Chu has them in the playoffs and the third seed. Anytime a coach takes on a school that has struggled to see success and not only gets a winning record, but a top three seed in the playoffs, they’re doing a great job!
Sam Paquette - East Greenwich High School - Coach Paquette had her hands full at the beginning of the year as the Avengers were still wobbling from scandal and a roster that wasn’t sure on anything. They played .500 ball for a bit, but finally came together at the end. They’re playing their best volleyball when it matters most, which is the goal of every coach.
Lisa Zabel - Portsmouth High School - Coach Zabel probably figured they be in the mix, but things had to get ironed out. Certainly, their all road first half of play was one way to do it… The second half of the season, though, it all came together with win after win including all the top teams in D1. Finished top four with a chance to do big things…Can’t ask for much more.
Kathy McGeehan - Chariho High School - Coach McGeehan has to be on the board as only one of two teams that finished the regular season undefeated. Chariho has been the crown jewel of D2 to this point. They’ve been tested, but each time the Chargers have answered the bell, which goes to talent and most certainly coaching.
Gus Steppen - Middletown High School - Coach Steppen has taken the Wave to new heights this season. Hardly in the conversation in the past, Middletown is now a top four team in D2 and looking to cause some noise in the playoffs. With no seniors, four juniors, the rest sophomores and one freshman, the Wave have had a great year and Coach Steppen has a lot do with it.
To send season updates, stories, and players to consider…or inquire about coffee beans that Coach roasts himself, to Coach Reslow - Scott.Reslow@protonmail.com