Kazokas relishes new position for Council Rock South
Perhaps one of the most meaningful traditions in scholastic sports is Senior Night. This special event honors the years of working, maturing, and bonding that a team’s veteran performers have undergone. Whether perennial champs or struggling underdogs, every senior wants to excel on this glorious moment.
Last Thursday, on Senior Night for the Council Rock South girls volleyball team, the Golden Hawks soared to great heights as they defeated Neshaminy in straight sets (25-21, 25-15, 25-21). The victory not only celebrated the seniors but kept South in the run for a shot at the upcoming district playoffs.
Danielle hazokas, middle hitter for South, relished the entire affair. “Last year, we didn’t beat them and it was a close match. This year on Senior Night, it felt great to beat them. We wanted it so bad.”
Having already beaten the ‘Skins earlier this season, South’s coach helly horn felt history was on the Hawks’ side. According to Danielle, “Our coach said we needed to try our hardest. They were basically equal to us. Since we had beaten them before, it was possible to beat them again.”
Not surprisingly, all five of CR South’s seniors played significant roles in the win. Danielle hazokas and Leanna heegan each recorded seven kills. Steph Thomas and Meredith Gilson were close behind with five kills apiece. Captain and setter Danielle Bradley had 27 assists, three kills and three aces.
After a close first set win, the Hawks appeared dominant as they roared out to 14-5 lead in the second round, eventually winning the set by 10 points. Neshaminy started to rally however as the ‘Skins opened up set three by taking a 9-3 lead.
Coach horn called timeout to settle her troops. Danielle remembers the coach’s advice. “She told us to take a deep breath. We had beaten them in the first two sets so we knew how they played. We needed to run our plays and concentrate on playing our game.”
The 3-0 sweep proved very satisfying for Danielle. Not only had she won on Senior Night but she had excelled at her new position, middle hitter. “This year for South, I played outside hitter and then Senior Night I played middle and now I’m playing middle for the rest of the season.”
Danielle readily defines the difference in the two positions. “Playing the middle requires a lot more trying to block the other team’s hitters so the ball doesn’t come back on your side. On the outside, you were expected to put the ball away. You’re one of the more powerful hitters.”
Danielle is well-suited for either spot. She is tall, quick and agile. “The middle hitter is usually one of the tallest players on the team. It’s someone who can run to the outside and help block shots.”
A true team player, Danielle readily accepted the midseason change. Part of her love of volleyball stems from such a selfless dedication. “I like the fact that you have to play as a team. You have to try and work on different things for each game. There is something new ev-
ery game.”
In Danielle’s estimation, total team effort is one of the emerging characteristics that defines this year’s Golden Hawks. “This year, we’re playing really well as a team. We have all become really close. If we all show up to a game and play our hardest, then we are an outstanding team. We have a lot of talent on the team and we’re starting to come together.”
Currently in fourth place in the SOL National Conference, the Hawks face a crucial week, one that could determine their playoff hopes. They play CB East, William Tennent and CR North on consecutive nights. “We definitely have competition coming up but if we play as a team, we have a chance of beating some of them. We need to all show so we can make the playoffs.”
The big victory on Senior Night just might be the catalyst that ignites a Golden Hawk postseason run.