The varsity volleyball team started its season strong with two play days on Sept. 1 at Glastonbury High School and on Sept. 12 at the Loomis Chaffee School where they scrimmaged against multiple teams.
At Glastonbury High School, they played a lot of talented public schools teams and got a chance to look at new players. Then, at Loomis, the team played against other private school teams in their league.The girls won an impressive three out of the four games they played.
Compared to last year, the team is smaller with only 11 players, seven of whom are returning and four new players (two juniors and two freshmen).
Head Coach Scott McDonald said that this year the girls have positive team energy and really enjoy being together. They are enthusiastic and talented. “We are very capable offensively, particularity with our outside hitting,” he said.
Though the team has had a rocky start in terms of injuries, they did great in the series of quick 25 minute scrimmages at the Loomis Chaffee School against other private schools. Senior Captain Madi Henry said that the team is always positive and supporting, but needs to work on their technical skills and communication. “Our goal this season is to stay positive the whole season and try our hardest to compete against tougher schools,” Henry said.
Coach McDonald said that the team strives to play a high level of volleyball in every match. He said that the team needs to work on their passing, but are in a position to have a good season. “We have the capability to be effective in blocking since we have good height in the middle of the court,” Coach McDonald said.
Henry said that the team is more positive this year which inspires players to be better. “The new players are adjusting to the team really well,” she said. “They have really clicked with the team.”
The team is very hopeful for the upcoming season. “I was very impressed on how well the team did in the Loomis playday,” sophomore Sydney Smith said. “I think we will do really well this season.”
