Volleyball teams have division titles to play for
District squads are in A North
BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer

SCOTT PILLING staff Matt Weinberg and the Marlboro Mustangs are hoping to become the first District team to win a division title.

With the Shore Conference dividing up into divisions this spring, it gives area volleyball teams added incentive.

The Marlboro, Howell and Colts Neck boys volleyball teams are in the A North division, where they'd like to be the first team to win a division title.

Margie McNamara's Marlboro Mustangs are ready for a big year.

"They're pretty focused," she said of her Mustangs. "I feel good about the season. I think we'll be there competing [for the title]."

The return of three starters who have been in the program for the three years should lead the charge.

Matt Weinberg (outside hitter), Ian Targovnik (outside hitter) and Rich Mezzasalma (setter) are good starters for the 'Stangs, who were 11-9 last spring. They are polished players with loads of experience.

Two new players, seniors Greg Levine and Adam Mohamed, are key additions. They are middle hitters, an area the Mustangs needed help in. Nick Despotidis is the only returning player in the middle.

Brett Newman (setter) is the only other returner from 2006.

The Mustangs are not only benefiting from their now three years of varsity experience, but also time put in during the offseason. Several of the Mustangs went to camp at Penn State University or play in the Jersey Shore Volleyball League during the summer.

The Mustangs are no longer a young program finding its way. They are a veteran team that serve and pass the ball well, looking to win a banner.

Howell was the new kid on the block last year and surprised everyone, going 11-8. Coach Jim Huebner has several returners, including sophomore Adam Feehan, who was the team's best all-around player last year. Also returning is the libero - Kevin Wilson.

Mike Krol (outside hitter), Steve Sylvester (outside hitter), Michael Dominguez (setter), Rob McClintock (middle hitter), Derek DiPasquale (outside) and Kenneth Sall (outside) round out the 2007 Rebels.

The Rebels did graduate their go-to player in the 6-4 Mike Walsh, who was a dominating player at the net. Replacing him will be difficult. They will look to rely on the fundamentals and teamwork that carried them to such success last year to be the difference maker.

Colts Neck, the oldest program in the Freehold Regional District, would like to be in on the title chase as well.

The key returners are libero (defensive specialist) Steve LeFante, Brian Maresca (outside hitter), Allistair Matthews (setter) and Sean Hiller (outside hitter).

The Cougars were a veteran team last year and will be breaking in a number of newcomers in 2007, who will determine how far the team goes this year.

The additions are Chris Faust (middle hitter), Chris Clemente (outside hitter), Sean Wirth (outside hitter), Mann Pereira (Libero) and Ian Appow (setter).

Completing the A North Division in boys volleyball are Christian Brothers Academy, Manchester and Long Branch.

May 15 is the cutoff date for teams to qualify for the NJSIAA playoffs (teams have to be .500 or better on that date).

There will also be a Shore Conference Tournament at a date to be announced.