Mount Olive Girls Volleyball Uses Unique Strategy, Dominates in MCT Win

There are lots of ways to run an offense. Primarily, high schools run either a 5-1 with one primary setter or a 6-2 with two setters who switch off, meaning the setter is always in the back row.

Mount Olive runs a 6-2—with a twist. They have two strong outside hitters, Bella Osoria and Olivia Drucks, who are diagonal from each other in their rotation. When one is a front row player, the other sets out of the back row.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Lee Clowers, who I consider one of the greatest volleyball minds I’ve ever been around. Lee came to me over the summer with the idea, and after trying it out a few times, we quickly realized how much we could push the tempo of our offense,” Mount Olive head coach Tom Reszka continued, “They aren’t just setters or hitters; they’re complete volleyball players who understand the game extremely well. What makes it work is not just their talent, but their volleyball IQ and willingness to do whatever the team needs.”

Lee Clowers was the head coach of Mount Olive when the program last hoisted the MCT championship plaque and was no stranger of the moment this time around.

Typically, outside hitters will play in zone six in the back row, but not at Mount Olive. The back row outside hitter is a setter and plays in zone one.

The Marauders have used this system to run roughshod through the NJAC and Morris County Tournament, en route to a share of the NJAC American division crown and a MCT title.

“I told the girls, you’ve earned the right to be here. Now go out, enjoy the moment, and have fun. I wanted them to play loose, play with confidence, and trust each other,” Reszka said. “Moments like this are what you work for all season. I told them, at the end of the day, this was their moment and I wanted them to make the most of it.”

Mount Olive offense ran like clockwork in the MCT title game, and their defense was strong as well.

Drucks and Osoria are great volleyball players, but their connection on the court is not where their friendship ends.

“Liv and I have a really good relationship on the court. We have built a lot of trust through our playing together, and that chemistry helps us communicate and understand each other during games. It makes a big difference when you know your teammates have your back and we can rely on each other on those big points,” Osoria said. “Off the court we are good friends too, which makes playing together even more enjoyable. I think that our friendship allows us to have a stronger connection as teammates too.”

The most underappreciated player on the Mount Olive girls volleyball is none other than Ava Diaz. The senior libero does not rack up all the flashy statistics, but this team may not have been in the position they found themselves in without her.

Reszka had some glowing remarks for his defensive quarterback, “Ava brings an intensity to the court that you just can’t teach. She sets the tone for our team with her energy, toughness, and desire to win. She’s the type of player who raises the level of everyone around her because she expects the best out of herself and her teammates. Ava has been a huge part of our success this season, and I couldn’t be happier that she gets to experience winning a county championship during her senior year.”

Osoria is currently third all-time on the Mount Olive kills list, only trailing Annie and Ally Karle. Her offense has been there from the start, but it is her setting and defensive abilities that have set her apart as one of the all-time Marauder greats.

“I have worked on my versatility by continuing to practice different skills and focusing on being someone my team can rely on in any position. Even though I have always been a hitter, I always also worked on my passing, setting, and overall court awareness so I can contribute from anywhere on the court,” Osoria added, “I think being a versatile player means being ready to step up when my team needs me, rather than focusing on just one role. I am always trying to improve my consistency, communication and confidence so I can help my team in many other ways.”

Bella Osoria sent the final kill down on a cut shot to zone four and the Marauders found themselves where they had not been in ten years—atop Morris County.

“In that moment I was just filled with pure adrenaline and relief. I knew how important that point was, and being able to put that last ball down was such an indescribable feeling. It was so rewarding to see all of the team’s hard work pay off, and I was just so proud of how we all focused and played together until that very last point. Moments like those are what make dedication and hard work worth it,” Osoria said.

In the Morris County Championship match, Osoria and Drucks both recorded triple-doubles in the three-set domination over Randolph. Bella Osoria recorded 12 kills, 16 digs and 18 assists, while Olivia Drucks racked up 24, 11 and 10, respectively.

The Marauders’ strong season has earned them the 2-seed in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group 3 tournament and are poised to make a run at yet another marquee benchmark—a state title.