Girls’ Volleyball Rounds Out 2022 Season

The GSB Girls’ Volleyball team finished out their 2022 season accomplishing several key milestones, including the program’s first ever Somerset County Tournament victory.

Competing at the varsity level for only the second year, the Knights (5-15) came into this year ready to challenge themselves. Despite having a young roster, Head Coach Christina Temnycky set a more competitive schedule for her team this year, which she believes helped the team grow quickly

“This team was very young compared to most teams in the league and they did not let this stop them,” commented Coach Temnycky.

“They worked together and supported each other on and off the court. They had to go through many obstacles this year, but they never gave up and stayed right up there with the other big, well-developed teams.”

Those in-season adversities served the team well when it came time for postseason play. In one of the highlights of the year, Gill St. Bernard’s volleyball earned their first ever Somerset County victory in an adrenaline-filled, down-to-the-wire match against Immaculata High School. After falling in the first set, the Knights came back strong thanks to gutsy defensive performances by Juniors Alyss Loss (19 digs) and Kate Byrne (15 digs), and a strong, all-around performance by Lily Fava (6 kills, 12 digs) to fuel the 2-1 victory.

But the Knights saved the memorable moment of the season for last.

“Our last game of the season was against Rutgers Prep (16-6 at the time) and we lost the first game significantly due to an intense server. We went into the second game serving the first serve and had the opportunity to show them that we were just as good as them. We ended up winning the second two games giving us our biggest win of the year.”

This year’s roster was led by sparkplug Zoe Lichtenberg ’24 (165 assists), defensive specialists Alyssa Loss ’24 (132 digs) and Ava Roslund ’25 (126 digs), outside hitter Lilly Fava ’24 (80 kills), and all-around consistent player Kate Byrne ’24. Senior captains Madeline Buynak '23 and Pia Orozco Suarez '23 also had an immense impression on this season and the team’s future.

“Zoe and Maddie were phenomenal captains and some of the most supportive players I have ever met,” said Coach Temnycky.

“They got everyone excited about the sport, especially when it came to game days. Their leadership was very admirable, and I think that it is because of their work and support that we were able to have a successful season. I am grateful to have shared this memorable season with them.”

View Girls' Volleyball 2022 Season Photos