By: Alex Evans

Editor-in-Chief 

Following months of training over summer break, the countdown to the much anticipated girls’ volleyball season is officially over. The Los Gatos Varsity and Junior Varsity teams have faced off against both Salinas and Archbishop Mitty in their non-league, pre-season attempts at success. Furthermore, the Varsity team prepped for the league season by attending La Costa Canyon’s tournament in early September. Now, the team enters the regular season with tenacity.

On Thursday Sept. 1, Varsity ditched third period and mounted a school-sponsored bus to travel to the tournament. LGHS senior and Varsity captain Molly Vanderbosch revealed the mishaps that occurred while traveling. Vanderbosch lamented, “we went to the wrong hotel, and then at the right hotel the power was out!” Still, they made the most of the situation and prepared for their games with team bonding. Senior Keira Dodd made the best of the situation by leading teammates to the hotel basketball court and initiating some pickup games. An incredibly on-brand call for Dodd, the captain of the Varsity Basketball team. 

An inspiring first game of the tournament had Los Gatos winning 2-0 against Mission Vista of Oceanside, California. In an incredibly close second set, of 23 to 25, the Wildcats pulled through. In back and forth games, the team lost their other matches of the tournament. Vanderbosch reflected on the tournament, and concluded that “for playing some really hard teams, we played really well.”

The Wildcats already have Central Coast Section playoffs on their mind. Vanderbosch believes that their success down the road will be dependent on growing the team’s camaraderie, stating, “the better connection you have off the court, the better you do on the court… I’m so lucky to have a team where we are all friends on and off the court.” If this team has anything, it is great chemistry. 

Wildcats faced their first league matchup on Tuesday, Sept. 13 against Gunn High School. They won this away game in a fierce, long five sets. In reflection, Vanderbosch expressed resentment for the length of the game, believing they could have won much quicker. Still, a victory is a victory, and the Wildcats still have a long way to go this season. 

Make sure to keep an eye out for the home games ahead. In past years there have been fun themes, and this year students showed up in USA apparel for the Archbishop Mitty game and all neon for the Mountain View game on Sept. 15. The next three home games are Los Altos on Sept. 26, Monte Vista on Sept. 27, and Gunn on Oct. 4. Varsity games start at 6:45 PM. MaxPreps website has all the games and times listed. 

(Source: MaxPreps)