Preview of Hopewell Girls Volleyball’s Big Match Tonight Against Quaker Valley

Head coach Terry Borkovic and his Hopewell girls’ volleyball program have set high expectations for themselves this season.

The goal goes beyond just qualifying for the playoffs as the Vikings believe they have the talent to do more than that.

However, they’ll ultimately have to prove it on the court and tonight, they’ll have a big test and will find out exactly where they are as a team in the early portion of this season.

Tonight, at Hopewell High School, the Lady Vikings will host perennial power Quaker Valley in the opening section match.

HSN was able to catch up with Coach Borkovic to get his thoughts on tonight’s exciting matchup.

“Quaker Valley is ranked #2 in the WPIAL AA preseason rankings and were section champions last season,” said Borkovic. “Their setter is a first-team WPIAL All-Star. She is an excellent player, smart, and sets the ball to hitters in all situations. By this I mean, she puts up a good set when they are ‘out of system’. Their number one outside hitter is also a first team WPIAL All-Star. She is tall, hits a heavy ball, and can attack a variety of shots.”

“From watching video of Quaker Valley, we noticed that they will set her close to 60% of the time. For that to happen, she will attack from both the front and back row. The rest of their players are good athletes and solid volleyball players. There is a reason they are ranked No. 2. They are good and we’ll have to play our best volleyball to secure a win.”

This Hopewell team challenged themselves prior to this match by going up against bigger programs in a preseason camp at Indiana, along with finishing in 3rd place this past weekend at the Bulter “Spike Fest” Tournament. I asked Coach Borkovic what in particular have you seen from your team in the early part of the seasons that’s going to give you a chance tonight against Quaker Valley.

“The second match last season against Quaker Valley was a 3-2 extremely close victory for the Quakers,” said Borkovic. “I feel that we are a stronger and better-balanced team this season. Our preseason schedule is heavy with AAAA and AAA teams with winning traditions. Our performance on Saturday at the Butler Tournament was an indication that we can compete with strong programs. We’ve developed a healthy rivalry with Quaker Valley throughout the past few years. We are playing excellent volleyball! Quaker Valley coach Mike Vavrek told me recently they are expecting a 5-set match.”

It should be an exciting atmosphere tonight at Hopewell High School with the JV match getting underway at 6 PM, followed by the varsity match. It’s only the second match of the season but a win would be a huge confidence builder for these girls.

“A win would be a great confidence boost,” said Borkovic. “But this match is only the first section match of the season for both teams. There are some great teams in our section. We have the strongest section in AA. One way or another, we can’t let our emotions get too high or low. The girls are pumped! I’m excited! It should be a fun match.”

Hopewell Sports Nation’s Zach Gigliotti will be covering tonight’s match and have a complete game report.

Go Vikings!