The stands were filled, and the room went quiet as Freshman Jordyn Zilocchi began her serve routine. The ball floated over the net as spectators watched in anticipation. The ball returned to Kinnelon’s side, and after a precise set, and a kill from Sophie Pogodin, the Kinnelon Girls Volleyball (

) team became sectional champions. The student section rumbled and swarmed the team, celebrating the new title. KGVB was on top of the world.

The Kinnelon Girls Volleyball team recently finished one of their best seasons yet, with a record of 19-5. Their season began on Sep. 9, losing to Morris Knolls 2-1. Soon after, the team began its ten-game winning streak, facing teams like Madison, St. Elizabeth, and Mountain Lakes. Kinnelon continued the season playing in the NJSIAA Tournament, earning the title of sectional champions for the first time since 2019, with a win against the Bogota Buccaneers on Nov. 7. 

Their season ended with a game against the Verona Hillbillies, a three-set loss in the NJSIAA Group Tournament Semifinal round. Overall, the team placed third in the Group 1 rankings this season. The question was, how did Kinnelon come so far, after having an 11-14 record just a year ago?

“Chemistry,” Cresskill coach Laura Germano says. It is clear that the team has a strong connection, and always work to pick each other up on the court. 

Kinnelon Volleyball head coach Stephanie Finke agrees, saying “We work on creating a safe, accepting atmosphere where everyone feels like they have a role and are invested in our program. Making connections with your teammates and coaches is extremely important for success. You have to want to win and compete for someone other than yourself.”

Additionally, the players think a good dynamic is necessary for a

winning season. “Being close with everyone is what made this year successful and fun,” Senior and captain Lindsey Millis says. According to Millis, the team stayed connected by doing things like secret santa gatherings and staying to talk in the locker room. They would also get together for team bonding before important games. Millis concluded the season with 205 kills and 217 digs, and reached the milestones of 500 kills, 600 digs, and 100 aces in her high school career. 

Pogodin also weighed in, saying “The traditions we started this year represent our connection on and off the court. […] Our go-to was going to Dairy Queen occasionally after games or bagels before games. Also, on every busy ride, we would scream to songs at the top of our lungs, really bonding over our chaotic energy.” Pogodin finished the season with 234 kills and 153 digs, awarding her the career milestones of 400 kills, 300 digs, and 100 aces.

Millis also says that the team’s drive and commitment affected their achievements. “All the work that we put in year-round was probably the most important. We were running open gyms towards the end of the school year last year and getting together and doing things as a team,” she says. According to both captains, the team shared a common goal that fueled the season. Each player was eager to work towards a title, and everyone put in the effort to make the season both successful and enjoyable.

Finke noticed how hard everyone was working, stating that the players all had goals for the season and they knew what it took to accomplish them. 

Finke also says, “This program as a whole was a huge success this season. We wanted to work on team chemistry, creating a more positive experience for all, and growing and developing on and off the court. The captains did a great job creating the atmosphere and all players followed suit.”