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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
With numerous state tournament appearances in the past decade, the girls volleyball program at Westwood High has come a long way since Jennifer Murphy began coaching as an assistant in 2007. In 2016, Murphy, a graduate of Westwood in 2003, will take over the head coaching duties for the Wolverines and look to make a statement in her first season at the helm.
A new season always brings about the question of “does this team have enough experience?” However, lack of experience clearly is not an issue with this team as the Wolverines return eight varsity players from 2015, including senior captains Shea Farrell and Camille Cummings.
“Both Shea and Camille bring an amazing energy and presence to the court,” said Murphy. “They are both solid players who have the ability to bring a lot out of their teammates. I’m looking to them as my right-hand-men.”
“We have a great group of seniors and we are really excited to see all of them contribute this season, as they will all play key individual roles,” said Murphy. “Yara Nassif will be moving from the middle to mainly hitting outside this season. With her blocking capability, serve precision and kill potential, she is a player I can see winning us a lot of points this season.”
Sara Cwieka is the lone wolf for returning varsity players from the junior class, but coach Murphy says that Cwieka’s skills as a setter are vital for their team’s potential success in 2016.
“As a junior setter, Sara already has two varsity seasons under her belt and will run our offense with a new game maturity and authority,” said Murphy. “She has also become a really solid hitter so I’m hoping she surprises us with a few kills of her own.”
Amongst the many newcomers playing their first varsity seasons for Westwood in 2016, Murphy believes that junior Mackenzie Draper and sophomore Kelly Buonato will have major impacts for the Wolverines.
“We’re looking at Kelly to step up to fill the hole left in the libero position after Monica Hatch graduated in May,” said Murphy. “Kelly is a young player who has the potential to run our defense. She will certainly be someone to watch this season. We’re also excited to have Mackenzie because she will bring new power to our right side attack.”
As far as expectations for this season go, Murphy says that there is no hiding the fact that the Wolverines are looking to take the next step.
“Our goal for every season is to make the state tournament, but we are really striving to make a deep run this year and get over that hump,” said Murphy. “We have a lot of work to do, but this team has a strong will to succeed. Our driving force this season is to make at least the third round, and seeing this team make a deep run is really a driving personal goal for me.”
The Wolverines open up their season at home against Bellingham on September 9.
