By John Tolis
Winning three straight diocesan championships is never easy, but St. John’s Prep’s girls’ volleyball Coach Jen Cocchi believes her team’s work ethic and determination have been the difference.
The Red Storm finished off its CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens season unbeaten and with a third straight Division II title by defeating St. Edmund 25-18, 25-19, 25-17 at home Nov. 5. Every championship is unique, but Cocchi believes seniors Lauren Martinez, Olivia Perrault, Caity Hall and Veronica Sirica will find this one different.
“The four seniors on the team have been part of this feat for the past three years, so I know for them it has been extra special,” Cocchi said.
The seniors will move on, but St. John’s Prep, which also won the league’s junior varsity crown, could see more championships coming its way after impressive performances by junior Alexandra Cordero and sophomores Nicole Schweit and Brianna Marazzo. Cocchi is certain her team will succeed even with her seniors leaving because of the mark they left behind on the younger players.
“The senior girls have made great contributions over the years,” she said. “They have helped guide the younger members to play well.”
The Red Storm advanced to the CHSAA Class A state playoffs, but came up short of another crown. Cocchi expected better but is happy her players got the most out of the season. St. John’s Prep will have to regroup next year without seniors Perrault, Hall and Sirica. Them heading off will create some obstacles, but Cocchi understands it part of the game after a strong season.
“We could have done better this year,” Cocchi said. “The competition was great and the girls had a lot of fun.”
