2016 Volleyball Mid-Season

Paramus, NJ - The Bergen Bulldogs have clinched a berth to the Region Tournament.   They are now looking to continue their success to earn a high seed in the Region XIX Playoff Bracket.   Bergen is currently 7-2 in the Region and 13-4 overall with four games left to go.

Bergen's sophomores have been a huge part of their success.  This year's sophomores are, Gioia Abreu (Ridgefield, NJ), Arlene Espinal (Lodi, NJ), Erika Flores (Hackensack, NJ) and Ariel Frazee (New Milford).  They bring with them the experience they had at the Region Final Four Tournament, which the earned runner-up after losing to Northampton CC.  

Gioia Abreu has returned after a great freshman year.  Gioia earned All-Region 2nd team and First Team All-Conference in 2015.  She looks to be in line for those honors again as she ranks 26th in the nation in Service Aces (36) and 55th in the nation in Assists (196).

Ariel Frazee continues to improve and this year has been Bergen's best server   Ariel is ranked 22nd in the nation in Service Aces (46).

Arlene Espinal has improved from last year as an outside hitter.  She is ranked 20th in the nation in Service Aces (38).

Erika Flores was a major part of last year's success, but she was injured early on this year.  Erika has slowly getting her timing back after recovering from her injury.  The Bulldogs hope that she will be back to form by first round of the region playoffs. 

This year's recruiting class has lots to be excited about. The incoming freshman include: Yalimar Castillo (Haledon, NJ), Christal Cabrera (Paterson, NJ), Desara Korreshi (Garfield, NJ), Francela Ulate (Hackensack, NJ), Misurela Llukovi (Fairview, NJ) and Katherine Helewa (Cresskill, NJ)

Francela Ulate (Outside Hitter) brings tremendous strength to the team.  She is an outstanding outside hitter that energizes the crowd when she strikes the ball.   Francela is ranked 18^th in the Nation in Kills (167), 29^th in the nation in Kills per Set (3.04). 26th in the nation in Service Aces (36), 45^th in Total Attacks (342), 24^th in the nation in Hitting Percentage (.345).

Christal Cabrera (Setter) has been a big help with setting up the outside hitters.  Christal is 72^nd in Assists (143) and 51^st in Services Aces (29)

Yalimar Castillo (Setter) has been very good at setting up the outside hitters.

Desara Korreshi (Middle Hitter/Outside Hitter) continues to develop her skills as a middle hitter. 

Misurela Llukovi (Libero) has great ball handling skills and has been a tremendous addition to the team's success in the back court.

Katherine Helewa (Middle Hitter/Outside Hitter) continues to support the starters.

The team is led by first year coaches, Samantha Reed (Head Coach) And Tyler Singh (Assistant Coach).  The both have pushed the team to new heights.  The team is currently ranked 2^nd in the nation in Service Aces (243), 5^th in the nation in Service Aces per set (4.19), 28^th in the nation in Assists (402), 47^th in nation in Kills (351).