The Cherry Hill West girls' volleyball team opened its season with losses to a trio of quality teams.

But since then, three junior captains have helped to right the team's season.

"We have junior leadership and a junior core. That's a nice thing in a lot of ways," Cherry Hill West coach Scott Sweeten said.

Sweeten has high praise for junior tri-captains Kelly Smith, Rebecca Pierce and Danielle Buchanan.

"Kelly, Rebecca and Danielle are very good players, and each player has the mental approach I'm looking for," Sweeten said.

The Lions were 0-3 after being swept by defending state Group 4 runner-up Cherry Hill East, defending Patriot Division champion Williamstown and a very good Eastern team.

But this past week, Cherry Hill West improved to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in the Olympic Conference Patriot Division with wins over Winslow Township and Lenape.

In Thursday's 2-0 (25-16, 25-18) win against the Indians, Smith, an outside hitter and one of the Lions three main setters, had six aces and eight digs. Pierce, a middle hitter, had 12 digs, while Buchanan, an outside hitter and part-time setter, had six aces and eight digs.

During Monday's 2-0 (25-17, 30-28) divisional victory against the Eagles, Smith had five kills, 10 digs, seven service points and three aces. Pierce chipped in with eight digs, three kills, nine service points and two aces.

"They're all very good defensive players," Sweeten said of his tri-captains.

"The team is made up of juniors and sophomores. I'm pleased so far."

The remaining heart of the Lions includes junior opposite Au Nguyen, junior setter and defensive specialist Julie Lo, sophomore middle Kelly McShay, sophomore defensive specialist Allie Kleeman and junior outside hitter Rachel Lee.

Great beginnings

Washington Township is off to the best start in team history. After Wednesday's 2-0 win over Winslow Township, the Minutemaids were 6-1 overall and 1-1 in the tough American Division.

"The team is very dedicated. The girls put in a lot of time during the offseason," Washington Township coach Barbara McBrearty said.

"They all work extremely well together."

Leading the way for the Minutemaids are tri-captains Emily Bill, Alexis Louie and Karen Martin.

Bill, a senior setter and three-year varsity starter is, according to McBrearty, "a leader on and off the court."

Louie is an outstanding all-around player and two-year varsity starter, and Martin, a junior outside hitter, is emerging as one of South Jersey's top all-around players.

Also contributing greatly to Washington Township's quick start are juniors Jessica Thoden and Abby Verrillo, senior defensive specialist Nikki Cosico, junior hitter Rachael Merrick and promising sophomore Molly Duvall.

More great starts

Two other teams that have begun their seasons on a positive note are Sterling and Winslow Township.

The Silver Knights, 4-2 overall after Wednesday's win over Cinnaminson, have won four straight matches and are tied with Moorestown for first place in the National Division with 2-0 records.

"Our goal is making a run at Moorestown. There's no top in our division until you get past them," Sterling coach John Gardiner said. "Moorestown is a class program. They're well coached and they have great athletes."

The Silver Knights have some great athletes of their own including sophomore setter Marie Belonia.

"Marie averages 17 assists, seven kills and six or seven service points a match," Gardiner said. "She's a great all-around athlete."

The Silver Knights are co-captained by senior outside hitter Amber Swain, a four-year player, and senior outside hitter Kate Davis, a senior outside hitter who is an ex-cheerleader. According to Gardiner, Davis "is a very smart player with a wicked underhand serve."

Also playing wicked good volleyball for Sterling are junior outside hitter Michelle Papaycik, sophomore outside and middle hitter Kim Lomas, senior defensive specialist Lindsey Sheridan, sophomore defensive specialist Christine Badey, freshman defensive specialist Kate Broscious and senior defensive specialists Jenna Adams and Shaelene Lauriano.

Going into Friday's match at Pennsauken, Winslow Township was 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the Patriot Division.

"I'm very happy with the play of the team," first-year Winslow Township coach Suzanne Diaz said. "Plus, they're all great students and really nice people."

The Eagles have been flying under the leadership of senior co-captains Amanda Kenney, the team's setter, and defensive specialist Sara Mauro.

Senior offensive hitters Ashley Shorten, Felicia Toney and Christina Johnson, junior defensive specialists Heena Patel, Van Lam Luu and Susan Than, junior outside hitter Patricia Robey, junior Chelsea Skalkowski and sophomore newcomer Jessica Walker have all had a hand, literally, in Winslow Township's early-season success.