Girls' Volleyball: Team bonds depsite rough season

With a record of 11 wins and 22 losses, the girls’ varsity volleyball team looks back on this season with mixed feelings. Having lost five key players to graduation last year and gaining two new freshmen, team captains and seniors Sarah Blegen and Hanna Nielsen were nervous but excited at the prospect of leading such a young team.

“Throughout the season, even though we didn’t win a whole ton, we began to rely on each other and support each other like a true team,” said Blegen. Adding that the girls bonded after just a few practices, Blegen said that team chemistry improved greatly as time went on.

Though it was tough to keep up with the rest of the league who had the advantage in terms of size and age, coach Brad Frederickson made it a point to "be better than other teams with ball skills and defensive play.” He complimented the team’s dedication and positive attitude.

Blegen commented on the team’s improvement, saying that the team was able to keep their heads up and “still have a fun season regardless of the win/loss record.”

Junior and middle blocker Talia Sisco has a different take on this year’s performance, stating that the team’s strengths lay more in technique and skill rather than communication.

“As individuals, we all improved from last year, but there was a lack of team communication on the court,” she added.

Next year, Sisco will probably be the team’s only senior, and will take on the responsibility of leading the rest of the players.

Blegen, the team’s starting outside hitter and kill leader, was “an outstanding defensive player and leader,” said Frederickson.

Nielsen was named MVP of the girls’ varsity volleyball team and gained admiration for her guidance and ability to help younger players.

“She’s an outstanding athlete, and our team will definitely be lacking next year without her hitting and setting,” said Sisco.

The team lost its last nine games, making it hard to stay positive after a weak season. Through the process, the players tried their best and developed into a cohesive team

Blegen appreciates each player’s hard work and team spirit, which really helped to make this season enjoyable.

“There were moments of brilliance on the court sometimes, which showed that we truly had great potential,” she added.