Blazers had 2-1 conference mark through their first three matches.
By Mike Miazga
Correspondent
The Addison Trail girls volleyball team sported an 8-10 overall record through its first 18 matches.
The Blazers also were 2-1 in West Suburban Conference Gold Division play through their first three conference contests.
And through those first 18 games, coach Dan Styler has seen some positives, particularly when it comes to the defensive side of the net.
“Our defensive effort and execution has been a bright spot for our team,” said Styler. “Our success always will be built on our ability to control the ball in serve-receive. There is a clear correlation between the success from match to match aligned to our ability to pass the ball effectively. We are comfortable with our core group of primary passers and look forward to them working as a unit to continue to grow together during the second half of the season.”
Addison Trail has been led offensively by Nina Muell, who topped the team in kills with 168 through those first 18 contests. At the service line, Dionosia Vassos was tops with 19 service aces. In the back row, Sofia Susa had a team-best 96 digs.
Setter Amy Reyes has been directing the offense and had 107 assists through those first 18 contests.
Styler added the team still is hard at work regarding the offensive side of the equation. “We still are working on establishing a balanced offensive effort during the second half of the season,” he said earlier last week. “Statistically, we are generating enough points offensively in the kills category to win games. However, we still need to cut down on the number of errors we make.”
Styler cited recent strong play from sophomore Jessica D’Ambrose.
“Jessica really has expanded her skill set this year and has proven to be our most versatile player,” the coach said.
Styler noted he’s been encouraged by his team’s willingness to get in the gym and continuously work on ways to take things to the next level.
“I’m most impressed by our group embracing our most pressing areas for growth and tackling them head-on in the gym every day,” he said.
Addison Trail continued WSC Gold Division play earlier this week against Downers Grove South. The Blazers head to the St. Charles East tournament Friday and Saturday before an additional busy week next week with a conference match against Morton, a WSC crossover match against Glenbard West and the Plainfield Central Invitational next Friday and Saturday.
