Norwood Volleyball Setting up for Another Successful Season

The Norwood girls volleyball team had a phenomenal season last fall going 15-5, came in second place in the Hergett Division of the Bay Stat League behind Walpole, and defeating Falmouth 3-0 in the first round of the Division 2 South tournament before falling to Dennis Yarmouth in the Quarter Finals.
After losing some key players, one would come to the conclusion that this year the Mustangs would not be as have as strong a team as 2016, but Norwood Coach Paul Nimblett begs to differ.
“In losing some key components from last year’s team one would think that we couldn’t be as good as we were last year,” the Mustang Coach said. “But along with some key players coming back, mixed in with some underclassmen who have stepped up, we look to be in good shape.”
As is the case every year, Nimblett is looking for the same expectations that he looks for from his team every season – to compete for the league title and have a good run through the State Tournament. The biggest attribute in helping Norwood achieve that goal is senior quad captain Kiki Ryan. The senior lead the league in hitting percentage, had over 200 kills, was a Bay State League All Star and was one of 18 female volleyball players named to the Division 2 All State team.
“As a sophomore Kiki was not quite there,” Nimblett said. “But she continued to improve steadily and was definitely a huge piece to our team. She also is a power hitter, so when we need a big hit we give it to her.”
In addition to Ryan, Norwood will also look to Kaylin Reen, Erin Spaulding and Shaniya Seney to captain the Mustangs back into the tournament. Reen can do just about everything, is very vocal on the court and keeps the squad together, while Spaulding, a setter, had some big play moments last season and will be relied upon heavily this upcoming year. Seney is another all-around player but is primarily an outside hitter, who plays a good defensive game and has a very dynamic jump serve.
Other returning athletes that should have major roles, such as junior libero Danielle Currivan, who is the voice in the back court and handles all the hard shots. As a sophomore last fall, she saw significant action, but as a junior this year, she’ll find herself in a much bigger role this year.
Another junior, Marrissa Jurgelewick, saw action on both the junior varsity and varsity squad during the Mustangs 15-5 run. As a very athletic individual, Nimblett is hoping that she steps up her game in her outside hitter position.
While Nimblett strongly believes that the upper classmen will be the ones to carry this team throughout the season, he is very excited about two newcomers to the squad: sophomore Jasmine James and freshman Andrea Zapata, a school transfer.
“Jasmine has improved immensely during the off season and should give us a solid middle hitter with good blocking skills,” Nimblett said. “The biggest surprise could be Andrea, who’s been playing volleyball since a young age and could be the missing piece we’re looking for to get us into contention.”
If all the returners play up to their capabilities, add in the two newcomers, Norwood could be primed to make another run at the Division 2 South Championship.