Moran shines at serving line for Thomas Jefferson volleyball

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, October 8, 2018 | 5:06 PM

It’s irrefutable.

The best server on the Thomas Jefferson girls volleyball team is 5-foot-6 senior Sydney Moran, the Jaguars’ starting libero.

“Yes,” coach Ron Kelly said, “but we have four really good servers.”

Kelly was referring to the foursome of Moran, junior setter Abby Chalovich, Julia Fiedor, a left-handed senior setter, and junior outside hitter Tanner Patrick.

Moran, a three-year starter, regularly offers a powerful running jump-serve that crashes boldy into the opposing court.

“Sydney is a very good server. I personally think it is the strongest part of her game,” said Kelly earlier this season. “One thing about Syd playing the libero position is she is in the back row 11 out of 12 service rotations. Syd is also a very good serve-receiver and great on defense. She reads the hitters well and is always in position to make a play.”

Never was it more evident than in the Jaguars’ recent 3-0 section win at home against rival Elizabeth Forward. TJ won by lopsided scores of 25-15, 25-12, 25-14.

Moran & Co. dominated the match.

“I think our success against EF was a result of how hard we work in practice,” Moran said, “and a realization of how we have to perform not only in every match but every play. We knew going into the night their strengths from seeing them at the Derry tournament.

“Everyone was on their game that night, and when we play together we really make things happen.”

Moran, an all-section selection in 2017, plans to continue her career at Duquesne as a business major.

She owns a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, student council, mock trial, AP Humanities, and Interact, French and History clubs.

She also is in her fifth year with the Pittsburgh Elite Volleyball organization.

Thomas Jefferon steamrolled to a 7-0 record in section play in the first half of the season. All seven victories were by 3-0 scores.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Thomas Jefferson