Gabby LaRocco barely got a word in during the post-match interview on Thursday, Sept. 10.
Mostly because her coach, David Wlodarczyk, couldn’t stop talking about her. He used almost every superlative in the dictionary to describe her talents and role on the Ridgewood girls volleyball team.
“She’s never going to leave the floor,” he said. “She’s a rock out there, just so solid. She’s our go-to girl. When we need a ball to go down, Gabby is the player. I trust her out there.”
That’s a lot of praise for a sophomore outside hitter.
“I feel more comfortable out there this year,” said the 5-foot-10 LaRocco, who played in about half of the team’s varsity matches as a freshman.
Before she could finish her thought, Wlodarczyk interjected.
“She’s not close to her ceiling,” he said. “She’s only going to get better.”
LaRocco was Ridgewood’s best player in the team’s 26-24, 24-26, 25-16 Metro Suburban East loss to visiting Walther Christian, finishing with 15 kills and seven digs. One of her biggest kills came late in the second game and gave the Rebels a 25-24 lead on their way to evening the match.
“Gabby is our biggest weapon,” said Wlodarczyk, whose team dropped to 4-6 on the season. “I love the way she plays.”
As powerful as she is as a hitter, LaRocco is the total package. She showed she can play defense by diving on the floor for digs, including one midway through the first game that led to a Ridgewood point.
“I love playing the all-around game,” she said. “I love a good dig.”
Even though she’s a sophomore, LaRocco displayed her leadership on the court on Thursday, Sept. 10. When Frankie Annunzio was out of position awaiting a serve early in the first game, LaRocco directed the junior setter to the back row where she belonged. The Rebels ended up winning the point.
“Last year, Gabby played behind a senior outside hitter,” Wlodarczyk said. “She did a nice job, but that season was about building a bridge to this year. She is growing leaps and bounds, and I can’t say enough good things about her.”
Twitter: @harnesspreps