With six returning upperclassmen, hopes were high for the SBP/HS223 Lady Cougars volleyball team for the 2025 Fall season.
“I’m very excited as we are building the team from the ground up” said Christopher Pichardo, team manager. “We have a team of great players that are putting in time and effort, dedication, and discipline.”
But after starting off the season 0-2 the team has since won 7 games in a row and now sit at 7-2 on the season. The Lady Cougars will ride the hot streak into their next game on Tuesday October 28 against the Hostos Gators.
“I think our players are rapidly improving and doing a lot better” said Co-captain Deborah Akintunde (Class of 2027). “At first we weren’t working to our full potential but now we have figured it out.”
Coach D’Amore always believed in the team.
“I always expected us to finish above .500 this season,” said Coach D’Amore. “ But without a JV team, I need to train and create volleyball players on the varsity. Some thought this looked like it could be a rebuilding year but we have been playing well.”
Akintunde was excited about this team particular team this season.
“With this new team we are building, I know there are lots of new players, people who are nervous and who are still learning,” said Akintunde. “I know there might be lots of games to lose. But as long as we go to practice and do what we need to do, our team will be successful.”
Akintunde also tries to control what she can control, mainly how she approaches having a positive mindset.
“This season I am planning on keeping a positive attitude,” said Akintunde. “Dealing with new players you can’t be negative because that will affect the whole team. We need to lift up the team, not bring them down.”
Akintunde has help from Zeniah Webb (Class of 2027) who usually helps Akintunde remain poised.
“(Webb) makes sure I stay calm,” said Akintunde. “She knows that it helps to take a breath to regulate my emotions.”
Nataly Alba-Perez (Cl
ass of 2029) is very happy about being able to be a part of the team.
“I love volleyball and even though I am nervous because I haven’t played an actual game before, I’m really excited to play and get better.”
Coach D’Amore feels like while he has an idea of how each game will turn out, everything can change based on performance.
“I always scout ahead and single out the opponents strengths and weaknesses but it all falls on the girls to perform and they have,” said Coach D’Amore.
And Akintunde, the Co-Captain, can’t wait to continue their winning ways.
“I am excited and happy that my teammates and I can turn things around and go on a winning streak. At first we were rusty, but now we have turned it around” said Akintunde.
Come see the Lady Cougars extend their winning streak on Tuesday after school as they get ready for the upcoming playoffs.
