DCCC Sweeps CCP 3-0 for Long-awaited Win

PHILADELPHIA—With a straight-set victory over host Community College of Philadelphia, the Delaware County Community College women's volleyball team rekindled a flame that had been dimmed for a decade. Sparked by grit and fueled by faith in themselves, the Phantoms earned the program's first intercollegiate win in 4,001 days by taking it one day at a time.

DCCC women's volleyball last competed at the NJCAA intercollegiate level in 2016 and last recorded a win in 2014. Now finding firsts and building their foundation, the 2025 squad is revitalizing the program through mindset and action.

"We're putting in some really hard work in the gym and working through things and it's paying off," said Head Coach Brian Sylvestri. "We had a shared goal to be the first in 10 years to pull off a win and we did it, so it was a big day for us."

Sylvestri lauded the team's equanimity, adaptability, and execution in the match with the CCP Lions. "We had very aggressive serves—especially from Gianna Jones who had multiple aces, our communication was the best we've had, and our team dynamic was strong," he said. "Even when we made mistakes, we didn't get mad: we used our frustrations to control what we could control on our side of the net. We were able to adjust our defense to be able to handle some of their stronger hitters."

He had praise for "smart setter" Isabella Nevrotski and for Annalyn Graybeal's multifaceted play. "Bella did very well setting at net and making sure to utilize all her hitters," Sylvestri said. "Annalyn had a good game with multiple kills and digs."

"Everyone contributed to our success," he emphasized, pointing out that this was the first match in which every team member played.

Though 0-5 to start the season, the Phantoms had picked up their first set-wins in their previous outing, taking one set against each opponent in a tri-match with Passaic County Community College and Middlesex College at Middlesex. That small taste of victory while coming up short left the team hungrier, he said.

"After those two really tough losses, we had some hard discussions," said Sylvestri. "We came into practice on Tuesday knowing what we needed to work on and reminding ourselves of our goals—I told them to believe in themselves and that they could win—and then we played our hardest and best game of the season on Wednesday."

They'll need to keep at it. On October 1, the Phantoms travel to take on the Northampton Spartans, ranked eighth nationally in NJCAA Division III competition through the fourth week of the season. They play Union College and RCSJ-Gloucester (host) in an October 4 tri-match.

"We have given top teams a run for their money and know now that we can win," Sylvestri said. "It would be great if we could make playoffs and we'll keep pushing to try to make that goal a reality. I'm very proud of our team. Every day we get better."

"I couldn't be prouder of the progress the team has made from the onset of the season," added DCCC Director of Athletics Dwayne Saunders. "Their intelligence on the court and reaction to the ball has improved with every game. I am excited for a Phantoms team competing in intercollegiate women's volleyball, which has not been done in a long time."