Every team’s dream is to be victorious. This season, it was the Frisch Cougars that emerged from the match as champions!
The game was intense. It was held at SAR High School, home of the Sting. Frisch Cougars vs. Ramaz Rams.
It all started with the pre-game poem, read to the Frisch team by the amazing Cougar coach, Sam Tilp (who has now won 16 volleyball championships). The poem is one of the Cougars’ keys to success, along with the hard work they put into each practice. When Coach Sam read the poem to the team, it gave the Cougars confidence and determination to win.
The game was set out to be a good one, and both teams refused to disappoint. The Cougars had a rough start, and nearing the end of the game the score was 16-10 Rams. However, with some unbelievable saves by Rivka Nassimi, 5 consistent serves by Joelle Solowiejcyzk, and outstanding teamwork and spirit by the entire Frisch team, the Cougars were able to defeat the Rams in the first game with a final score of 21-18. Although the Cougars were behind in the beginning of the game, they were able to make a crazy comeback.
With their heads held high, the Cougars entered the second game. Each team beautifully bumped, set and spiked the ball, but the Ramaz Rams quickly pulled ahead. Gabby Solowiejcyzk and Lauren Borenstein were leaders on the court and they inspired the Cougars to try to catch up to the Rams as the Cougars had done in the previous game. Nonetheless, the Rams beat the Cougars in the second game with a score of 21-15. The Cougars played hard, but if they wanted the win they had to work for it.
Anticipation was in the air; both teams desperately wanted the title. The fans were on the edge of their seats in the third game. Whoever won this game would take home the ultimate title.
The Cougars started off behind, and by the middle of the game the score was 18-14 led by the Rams. The stakes were high, and the Rams only needed three more points to win.
The exuberant energy of Michal Katz, Rachel Piontnica and Naomi Prensky motivated the team to push it to the limit. Leah Spielman was able to dive and brilliantly save the ball repeatedly against Ramaz’s powerful serves and spikes. Rebecca Aduculesi had a splendid dink and top hit and Miriam Giller played consistently well throughout all three games, as she has in each match all season long. Arielle Epstein did not give in to the pressure and served eight strong serves in a row.
The Frisch Cougars were crowned the number one team in the regular season in their division and won the championship! The trophy now resides in the Cougar Nation facility, and this legendary game is going down in the books forever.
Zev Kirsch and Yosef Borodach were the team’s dedicated managers.
Both teams displayed tremendous passion for the superb sport of volleyball. The entire game is posted on YouTube by the Cougar Nation Live Stream crew. What a thrilling game! In the end, the Frisch Cougars were triumphant and brought home the win for their home town of Paramus, New Jersey with a final score of 21-18!
By Rebecca Aduculesi
