National/World Editor
Making a powerful comeback, Girls’ Volleyball has begun its season with several preseason games, tournaments, and league matches. To begin competitive play, varsity faced Saint Francis, last year’s Central Coast Section (CCS) Open Champions, losing 0-3. The LG coaches and players quickly recognized the need to compete significantly harder in practice to play with upper-level teams, and they rapidly rebounded with a streak of three preseason wins. The Los Gatos Wildcats defeated Harbor 3-0, Soquel 3-0, and Salinas 3-1.
This year’s varsity senior captains, Portia Zeidler, Leilah Bakhtiari, and Annette Bassani, have fulfilled their leadership roles and continue to do so. They have organized team reflections, holding each player accountable to their goals to maintain expectations. Bakhtiari commented on her role as co-captain, “Having a leadership role this year has really allowed me to step up and support my teammates both on and off the court. I love that I’m given the opportunity to establish confidence within myself and others.”
As a middle blocker for club volleyball season, Zeidler made an unexpected switch to rightside and has been an obstacle that several teams have had to confront. Zeidler said, “It’s been an awesome opportunity to learn a new position. Learning how to play rightside is something that can always help in college, and it has been a great way to help the team this season.”
Concluding their preseason schedule, the Wildcats competed in the Half Moon Bay Tournament as well as the Menlo School Tournament. On Aug. 30, they secured a fourth-place finish at Half Moon Bay with a 2-2 record, and on Sept. 20, the varsity team earned a strong placement at Menlo, finishing second in the bronze division with a record of 2-2.
Throughout league play, the varsity squad has asserted its dominance with decisive wins over Mountain View, 3-1, and Monta Vista, 3-0. While the junior varsity team fell to Mountain View 0-2, it beat Monta Vista 2-1. Now, the freshman team celebrated its first league victory with a 2-1 triumph over Santa Clara. All three teams lost to Sacred Heart Preparatory on Sept. 17: varsity 0-3, junior varsity 1-2, and the freshman 0-2.
Since the varsity team has had to rebuild their team, adding several new players to the roster, sophomore Caylin Thomas stated, “It’s been a little rough at the start since we lost so many key players last year, but I think with time, our team will grow and be just as good as last year.” Sophomore Kate Langer added how the team has had several team bonding opportunities to grow closer: “We always come together when things get harder. Undefeated in league, hopefully open for CCS, and definitely league champions are goals that we hope to get as we build the team.”
The Wildcats plan to make considerable upsets this year and hope to excel despite their starting setbacks, aiming to be recognized as a top team. Be sure to cheer on your LG Girls’ Volleyball team as they take on their upcoming season with determination!
(Source: MaxPreps)
Categories: School Sports, Sports