The girls’ volleyball squad converted an early lead into a sweep.
SYNCHRONIZED SETTING: Displaying practiced synergy, juniors Isabelle Madrid and Mackenzie Kjenstad execute a double block to deflect an opponent return.
Photo by Ida Kazerani
Adopting group activities to strengthen team communication and bonds, the Warrior girls’ volleyball team (5-5-0, 1-1-0) dominated the Buena Park Coyotes in a blowout victory 75-33 Sept. 21.
The Lady Warriors easily claimed the first game with aggressive serves and spikes. Senior Ashley Ahn consistently hit aces with her darting jump serves. Demonstrating fluid coordination, senior McKenna Grossheim attacked on a one-set from junior Samantha Guzman. Moments later, junior Isabelle Madrid sneaked a return past the Coyote defense. Miraculously, sophomore Kayden Chan saved a forceful Coyote spike, allowing Guzman to retaliate with yet another kill to end the game 25-4.
Riding on the momentum from the first game, senior Isa Paglinawan launched into the second with a barrage of swift attacks. Senior Scarlett Alexander confused opponents with a skillful feint, and senior Ariel Applewhite racked up a kill with a grazing tap on the ball. Extending the Warrior lead, senior Alexa Abarca launched a swift power tip, catching the Coyotes off guard. A few seconds later, Chan jumped for an interception and neatly ended the game.
In the final game, Buena Park capitalized on a lineup switch to momentarily secure the lead. However, the Lady Warriors regrouped and retaliated. Chan prevented Coyote kills with her well-placed dives and skids, and Guzman penetrated the opponent’s defense with flitting returns. The game was at a suspenseful tie, until the Warriors captured the victory for a 25-19 finish.
Recognizing the difference between team bonds and communication was essential to the Warrior victory, coach Morgan Williams said.
“A bond is created from mutual respect,” Williams said. “It strengthens as players continue to play and practice, and [leads to] an increase in communication skills. Teammates can have the best bonds but the worst communication. Volleyball is a sport where you need to verbally communicate. Communication is used to call the ball, and, most importantly, let [your] teammates know what you are going to do or expect.”
Participating in team activities not only builds team spirit and synergy, but unites the team as friends, Williams said.
“The team is very supportive of each other and great friends with one another,” Williams said. “We do activities like team dinners and secret sisters that help create and build bonds between the team members. These activities help the team see each other as more than just teammates, which encourages more cooperation between players who are unfamiliar with one another.”
The cheers of support from team members and the audience exhibited the Warriors’ pervading team spirit and enthusiasm, Ahn said.
“Volleyball is a momentum driven sport,” Ahn said. “Being loud and obnoxious can easily push the momentum to one team. It’s very encouraging to see dozens of people actively supporting us, which motivates us to play even better.”
This team-wide support pushes all players to improve themselves, regardless of skill level or age, Alexander said. “We believe that as a program, volleyball is all about supporting one another. Varsity will watch and cheer the frosh-soph games, and vice versa,” Alexander said. “The expectation to stay and cheer for games creates an overall feeling of encouragement.