In recent memory, Montgomery College’s volleyball program has been prolific: being just one game shy of undefeated within the conference (25-1), having a collective 45-10 record, and notching two consecutive NJCAA Region 20 DII tournament appearances, the past two seasons, even winning the tournament this season. Recently acquired head Coach ,Patti Westenberg ,has elevated the Raptors to new heights.
MC emphasizes having a strong roster, assuring that each player is not only talented, but a good fit in their system. However, we at The Advocate acknowledge two soon-to-be graduates’ contributions and journey with MC through exclusive interviews with Hillary Malik and Janelle Orellana.
Janelle Orellana – Position: Setter | Height: 5’4” | 52 Matches Played, 172 Sets, 1,052 Assists |
Orellana, a Silver Spring native, has always been a prolific setter. She played for one of the area’s most pristine volleyball clubs, Montgomery Village Sports Association (MVSA), and was also the primary setter for Albert Einstein High School. She was a good pickup for MC, a program that needed a tenured setter, as she immediately clicked with seemingly all of her teammates over the course of the last two seasons.
She dished 1,052 assists, that total being the second most in MC history. Her feel for the game and willingness to work with teammates and coaches make it evident that she could compete for a four-year institution if she wanted. This was Orellana’s response to being asked about her plans upon graduation, and how her time with MC has prepared her for said plans.
“MC really prepares you for a four-year school. Competing at the collegiate level helps you build your skills and experience up while facing different levels of competition. It gives you a sense of what playing for an NCAA or NAIA team might
be like. I don’t plan to continue playing for a collegiate team, but I do want to stay involved by coaching and playing locally with the other sophomores for fun.”
One of those fellow sophomores is one she bonded tightly with is Hillary Malik.
Hillary Malik – Position: Middle Blocker | Height: 5’9” | 55 Matches Played, 176 Sets, 331 Kills |
Malik, who grew up in Clarksburg, Maryland, and played for Clarksburg High School became one of Orellana’s primary targets this past season. In both of their freshmen seasons, Malik recorded nearly 100 kills off of Orellana’s sets, and nearly 250 this past season. Although factors like roster changes and availability come into play, it was evident the two had grown closer on the court; this is what Malik had to say when asked about their relationship. “Janelle has some of the smoothest hands I’ve ever shared the court with… even though she’s a shorter setter, she’s super aggressive while also consistent which helped us build a great connection. She’s also great at communicating, making playing with her easy and fun. Off the court, we’re best friends. We pretty much do everything together both in and out of season.”
The time they spent together off the court undoubtedly aided them in their game, giving Orellana yet another talented hitting option, and opposing teams a nightmare to deal with.
Although a hard hitter, Malik was an even better blocker. The high flyer totaled 105 blocks throughout her tenure at MC; this is particularly impressive considering her short stature for the position as well as the taller yet equally talented players at the other side of the net such as,Sofiia Mateshuk, Logan Burge, Jayna Crocker, and Caitlin Doherty, just to name a few.
Malik really shined at the net in her last match versus Monroe University in the Mid-Atlantic Championship, in which she had five blocks, including four consecutive points at the net in three blocks and an overpass kill.
Given her otherworldly athleticism and willingness to contest any hitter in her way, Malik is also equipped to perform as a pin hitter at the NCAA/NAIA level. However, those may not be her intentions.
“I’m currently 50/50 on whether or not I’m going to continue playing at a four-year [institution.] I do have some offers, including a couple from some great schools, but I’m still deciding whether I want to keep pursuing volleyball or direct my focus primarily on academics,” Malik said regarding her plans following graduation. This duo has been imperative to MC’s strides toward a National Championship, and it’s only a matter of time before they’re there.
