Old Bridge looks to return to its winning form BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer With three wins in its first four matches, the Old Bridge High School girls volleyball team has gotten off to the quick start coach Carol Silverberg was hoping for. After a series of winning seasons, the Lady Knights fell to 9-9 a year ago and missed the NJSIAA state volleyball playoffs. Silverberg is looking to turn things around this time out. “I want to get back into the state playoffs and at a minimum get past the first round,” the coach said. “Last year was a bit disappointing, but I think we have the talent in place to have a very successful season.” With a team that features less height than in previous campaigns, Silverberg has emphasized defense and hard work and dedication. So far it has resulted in wins over Piscataway, Edison and Monday’s victory against J.P. Stevens. Old Bridge’s lone loss came against East Brunswick. Old Bridge’s top players include outside hitter Ashley Reynolds, who excelled against Stevens, setters Pooja Daye and Jaime Chaifetz, and backcourt players Jessie Yoh, Sami Cetnar and Stephanie Marrero. The Lady Knights have had to make do without Jen Vitorino, a talented and versatile three-sport star who suffered a torn ACL over the summer and is still recovering. Though unable to play, Vitorino pitches in by keeping statistics and lending vocal support. Fortunately, Silverberg has plenty of depth, starting on the back line, with Jackie Zusman and juniors Samantha Imparato and Jennifer Vitrano. Junior Amy Li and promising 5-10 sophomore Michaela Ross, a natural athlete who is becoming more and more comfortable on the courts, will see time up front. In addition to the varsity’s quick start, Silverberg noted that the Lady Knights’ junior varsity contingent has also played well. And with a strong turnout of freshmen, Old Bridge has almost a quasi-frosh team. Silverberg kept 12 of the newcomers so they could practice and learn the game under the tutelage of JV coach Matt Gregorin. Several informal matches have also been scheduled against other schools. “Since we had such a great amount of interest, I didn’t want to turn them away,” Silverberg said. “This is a great opportunity for them to learn technique and grow with the program. It also speaks to the success of the volleyball program in the middle schools.”