By Kevin Eickman
The Milford Girls Volleyball team is entering the 2024 season with a sense of optimism not seen in years, thanks largely to the arrival of first-year head coach Mike Zampini. With over 29 years of experience in building winning programs, Zampini’s influence was immediately evident as the Buccaneers hosted the Odessa Ducks in their season opener on Thursday.
In a thrilling match that lasted over two hours, Milford showcased resilience and skill, proving they are no longer an easy win for opponents. Demonstrating grit and teamwork, the Buccaneers secured a dramatic 3-2 victory against the visiting Ducks.
The determination of the team was evident from the first game and remained consistent throughout the night. Despite falling behind early in the first game, Milford clawed their way back to tie the score at 20-20 after trailing by five points. Although they ultimately lost the game 25-20, it was clear that Milford had the capability to compete with Odessa, a team that had previously swept the Buccaneers in their season opener.
Unlike previous seasons where setbacks would have deflated the team’s spirit, the Buccaneers showed renewed confidence. Even after making some early mistakes in the second game, the players, led by seniors Riley Nielson, and juniors Miriam Carranza and Kay Wells, went on critical service runs that helped Milford regain their footing.
Coach Zampini called a pivotal timeout when Odessa began to close in on Milford’s eight-point lead in the second game, offering his team calm and clear guidance. “I just wanted them to catch their breath and not let the moment get too big for them,” Zampini said. “I reminded them if they just do their jobs, we will win.” The Buccaneers took the second game 25-21, then continued their momentum with a 25-22 win in the third game, putting them up 2-1 in the match.
However, Odessa responded strongly, taking the fourth game 25-19 to force a decisive fifth game. Zampini kept his team focused, telling them to put the past behind and concentrate on the task at hand. “I just told them to forget about it and focus on the job ahead of them. We have one game to win here and if you remain focused and confident this match will be ours,” he said.
Milford heeded their coach’s words, taking the first point of the final game and never relinquishing their lead, ultimately winning 15-11 to seal the 3-2 match victory. The team celebrated their hard-earned triumph with joy and unity. “I’m very happy for these young ladies; they worked very hard tonight and believed in themselves,” Zampini reflected. “This is just the first step in a long journey, but it was an important one.”
One of the key observations from the match was the depth and versatility of Milford’s lineup. Zampini’s strategy of frequent substitutions ensured that players were fresh and well-suited to the game’s tactical demands. “I explained it to the girls: there are no favorites, this isn’t about you, it’s about the team,” Zampini stated. “While sometimes a player may not like being taken out of the game for a rest or based on tactical situations, this is what we are, a team.”
The Buccaneers will look to build on this victory as they host Seaford on Tuesday night at 5:30 PM.
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