Sparta girls volleyball

The Sparta High School girl’s volleyball program is competing at a very high level this season.

In fact, through 29 matches, the Spartans had an overall record of 23-6. Helping guide Sparta toward significant heights this fall are the two team captains Olivia Bouma-Hannam and Brooke Serovich, both of whom are seniors.

“These girls have worked hard over their high school career and dedicated themselves to this program,’’ Sparta head coach Derek Hall said. “They lead by example and their work ethic sets the tone for practice and games.

“Brooke’s setting continues to get more and more consistent as well as her leadership role on the court. Liv’s passing has increased drastically from where she began. She has also become one of our most consistent hitters and servers through many hours of staying after practice to work on her game. Both girls have fantastic GPA’s and are in many AP and Honors courses.

Coach Hall is impressed with the ways in which Bouma-Hannam and Serovich correspond with their teammates.

“They will stay after whenever a teammate feels like they need to improve a skill,’’ Hall said. “They are also available to talk to whenever someone has an issue.’’

Bouma-Hannam started volleyball in the summer prior to her sophomore year. She’s lists her strengths as serving and her hitting, but would also like to improve upon her hitting as well as her passing.

“[I want to] win our Conference, win the H/W/S (Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament) and advance several rounds in the (NJSIAA) States,’’ Bouma-Hannam said. “My coaches (Hall and Wille) and previous players [are positive influences on her career].’’

Serovich began started playing volleyball as a freshman.

“The fun of the sport and the competitive aspects of the sport are the things that attracted me to volleyball,’’ Serovich said. “My strengths as a volleyball player are setting, which is my position and my consistent serving. I would like to improve on my front row skills such as blocking and hitting.

“Some goals that I'd like to see our team achieve this season are to win (NJSIAA) Sections and go as far as possible in the State Tournament. Also, win the H/W/S championship. My parents, my brother and my Pop-Pop have been major positive influences in my volleyball career along with Coach Hall and Coach J. They have supported me over the years and pushed me to be the best player I can be.’’

Several student athletes have helped paced Sparta this season.

“We have had big contributions from every member of our team this year,’’ Hall said. “Our kill leaders are MacKenzie Wiggins, Martina Foy and Olivia. Our Assist leader is Brooke. Our digs leaders are MacKenzie Wiggins, Autumn Nady, Amanda Sansone and Kate Esso. Daniella Abbassante and Olivia [lead the way in blocks].’’

Sparta won its opening round match in the NJSIAA State Group 2 Tournament, 2-0 (25-13, 25-16 game scores) over Raritan. The Spartans were defeated by a powerhouse North Hunterdon team in the semifinal round of the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament.