Donovan Catholic Grinds Out Two-Set Victory Over Colts Neck

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Whenever two teams that are ranked within the top five in New Jersey match up to start off the season it will generate a lot of buzz.

The No. 5 and No. 10 teams in the state, as ranked by NJ.com, came together to face head-to-head to start the season off with a roar.

Donovan Catholic came into 2023 with high aspirations after a 21-win campaign a year ago. A year removed from being Shore Conference Tournament finalists, Donovan Catholic knew that starting off strong against Colts Neck would be the way to start that quest again.

Head coach Glenn Jansen of Donovan Catholic also came into the match having a strong friendship built with Colts Neck's head coach Gregory Pope.

Donovan Catholic senior Macayla Lindner serves the ball during the Colts Neck vs. Donovan Catholic Shore Conference Volleyball Match at Colts Neck HS Gym in Colts Neck, 9/7/22. Photo Credit: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com

"Coach Pope has done an unbelievable job, they're one of the best public teams in the state," Jansen. "Starting at Colts Neck, I knew it was going to be a tough challenge to start the season. Stacy, Sav, and Gianna did an unbelievable job and I knew they would test us."

The Griffins started off strong in the first set led by seniors Macayla Lindner and Shantel Starling. Donovan Catholic held leads of 4-0, 8-4, and 13-5 throughout the first set.

Lindner came into the season after leading the entire Shore in aces for the second consecutive year. With 15 service points and three aces throughout the two sets against Colts Neck, the goals are set again for the senior standout.

Starling, a Florida Atlantic commit, had an all-around stat-packed game for the Griffins, leading Donovan Catholic in kills with 12, and adding six digs, six service points, and two blocks.

In crucial situations throughout, the Griffins were able to turn to another face to help lead them to victory. Senior setter Daniella Tischio played a major role in both sets, delivering eight assists, six service points, and three digs.

"The word that would be best to describe both of them would be reliable," Tischio said. "They're able to fix the little mistakes throughout and help us get better on the court. They're both extremely versatile, so knowing that we always have that extra set of hands is always such a big plus for us."

After taking a commanding 25-13 victory in set one, the Griffins had to settle down and dig deep to win back-to-back sets. Back and forth throughout the second set went both Colts Neck and Donovan Catholic. Anytime that Colts Neck had a lead, the Griffins were able to claw back and regain it right back.

Photo Credit: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com

One of the bright spots for the Cougars came in the second set down 12-11. Freshman Katelyn Cho served for her first varsity point and gave Colts Neck a 14-12 lead.

Lindner came on to serve after getting the ball back and sent the Griffins on a 4-1 run to re-take the lead.

At 20-17, Colts Neck called a timeout to regroup and make a late push. Ultimately, the Griffins were too much to handle and pulled away with the two-set victory.

"I think all of the preparation was super helpful, especially with our team moving around and trying out new positions," said setter Elizabeth Kavanaugh. "I think the way that we prepare ourselves; in case someone gets hurt, if someone needs to step up, we did a strong job to set up for where we are today."

The Griffins took their fifth straight victory over Colts Neck dating back to 2017 and started off the season with a massive out-of-division win.

"I will say this: this is the most versatile team I've ever coached," Jansen said. "I have two unbelievable setters who can also play lib, ds, right side. We have eight seniors, a lot of leadership, and a lot of experience. I actually think we can get more from everyone. Everybody is so locked in."

For the Griffins, they will travel to face Jackson Liberty on Friday. The Griffins defeated Liberty in both matchups in 2022.

There's a plethora of talent that roams the halls of Donovan Catholic. With eight star seniors and massive leadership on the court, there are plenty of reasons to get excited whenever the Griffins take the court.

Photo Credit: Tom Smith | tspsportsimages.com