Lafayette Builds 2026 Around First Contact And Communication

Overview

• Coach Syble Smith said Lafayette is focusing on team chemistry, serve-receive, communication and measurable performance goals entering 2026.
• Lafayette plans to use a 6-2 system with Serrano and developing setter Chandielys Olivieri.
• Mariangeliz Serrano returns as a key setter and captain after totaling 64 assists, 77 aces, 16 digs and 15 kills in 15 matches in 2025-26.
• Judith Baraka is the returning player Smith named as most likely to take a step forward after recording 52 aces, 20 assists and 13 digs last season.
• The schedule includes September dates with Emerson/Bflo Culinary, Hutch Tech, I-Prep, Global Concepts, South Park, Olmsted, Health Sciences and McKinley.

Building The First Contact

After a 9-6 season in 2025-26, Lafayette enters 2026 with coach Syble Smith looking for a team that grows through the basics before it measures itself only by the scoreboard.

Smith said Lafayette will focus on "building a strong team chemistry, mastering core fundamentals like serve-receive and communication, and setting measurable performance goals rather than just focusing on wins and losses."

That theme shows up throughout the outlook. Smith identified consistent first-contact passing and resilient communication as the team's projected strength, while also saying the group needs the most work in those same areas. For Lafayette, the skills it wants to lean on are also the ones it must keep sharpening.

Smith wants the team to be known as a "scrappy volleyball team" that plays hard for every point and refuses to let the ball hit the floor. Lafayette's goals are direct: score points, defend the court and control rallies.

Serrano Directs The Offense

Lafayette will use two setters in its 6-2 system. Smith said Mariangeliz Serrano will do most of the directing on the floor, while Chandielys Olivieri is still developing in the role.

Serrano, a senior setter and team captain, gives Lafayette returning production. She had 64 assists, 77 aces, 16 digs and 15 kills in 15 matches in 2025-26. Smith also named Serrano as the player to watch as a primary point scorer.

Judith Baraka is another player to watch. Smith identified Baraka as the returning player most likely to take a significant step forward, and Baraka posted 52 aces, 20 assists and 13 digs in 15 matches last season.

Lafayette also has returning production from Dinielle Ramos Acevedo, who had 12 kills, 46 assists and 70 aces in 2025-26, and Suleymi Cancel, who recorded 48 assists, 20 aces and 12 digs last season.

September Starts Busy

Lafayette's 2026 schedule includes a Sept. 10 matchup with Emerson/Bflo Culinary, followed by Hutch Tech on Sept. 14 and I-Prep on Sept. 16. Global Concepts, South Park, Olmsted, Health Sciences and McKinley are also part of the September slate.