WEST ORANGE, NJ – Saniyiah Richardson, a senior libero, recorded her 1,000th career dig for the West Orange High School girls’ varsity volleyball team during the match against Caldwell on Oct. 10.
“She has been our libero since her freshman year,” said WOHS head coach Jackie Cruz of Richardson. “During tryouts, we noticed she had something that she could bring to our program. We placed her on the freshmen team. Shortly after her making the team, she was moved up to JV. Next thing you know, she was starting Varsity. She has tremendous work ethic and leadership. She is very well liked at West Orange High School. Not only is she an outstanding volleyball player, she is also an outstanding student.
“Saniyiah is such a positive role model for the younger players in our program. Once the high school volleyball season is finished, Saniyiah is still playing volleyball. She understands there is always room for improvement and because of that she works extremely hard. Saniyiah has not committed yet, but there are a number of schools that are interested. Saniyiah currently holds the school record in digs; and still counting!”
WOHS lost to Caldwell, 25-23, 25-17.
The Mountaineers received the No. 5 seed in the Essex County Tournament. They will play in the round of 16 on Oct. 20 at home against either No. 12 Nutley, No. 21 University, or No. 28 Shabazz. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals on Oct. 23. The semifinals are Oct. 25 at Bloomfield HS and the final is Oct. 27 at West Essex.
Following the loss to Caldwell, WOHS fell to Secaucus, 25-22, 25-21, Oct. 12 to move to an 10-8 record on the season.
Photos courtesy of Jackie Cruz
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