With an exciting start to the 2019 fall season, the girls varsity volleyball team are a force to be reckoned with. The Wyverns have seven returning players, six upperclassmen, and four seniors. They have already demonstrated early on that they are a group of skilled and talented players as evidenced by their two scrimmages.
The Wyverns played their first scrimmage against Glastonbury High School on Saturday, Sept. 7. “We had five spots available this year,’’ said Head Coach Scott McDonald. “The first scrimmages were really useful in helping decide our starters.” The Wyverns showed a lot of potential after their first scrimmage.
However, their second scrimmage was where the team showcased their skills. The Wyverns played Loomis Chafee on Wednesday, Sept. 11. When asked about the game, junior Co-captain Sydney Smith said that they overcame some challenges. “We had trouble with our communication at first,” she said, “but after we worked it out we played a really solid game.” Overall, the Wyverns played a solid game in both scrimmages and were able to prepare themselves for their first game.
The Wyverns played their first game against Williston Northampton on Sept. 14, and what a game it was. The Wyverns came out strong, and with consistent serving and great communication they were able to sweep the Wildcats 3-0.
When asked why they played so well, senior Co-captain Kathryn Westrick attributed it to team work. “We played together the entire time [and] that’s why we were so successful,” she said. Even though everybody contributed to the victory, a few players stood out more than others. Smith always competes to highest of her ability, and she played one of her best games yet. Matched with her extensive knowledge of the game and skills, she dominated on the court. “She has always been a consistent player,’’ Westrick said. “She is a key member of the team and we know she will compete everyday.”
Westrick has also been a standout player. She has taken up a new position as a setter and has become a crucial part of the team. “Setter is a hard position to transition too,” Coach McDonald said. “After some practice, she is thriving at her new position.” From the recent game plus her consistent leadership, she has earned herself Player of the Moment. Finally, sophomore Mackenzie Caruso dominated in her first varsity game. She has taken up the position of libero, a defensive specialist. “A libero makes the first contact 75% when playing defense,” Coach McDonald said. “And she was excellent against Williston and was very consistent for playing in her first varsity game.”
Looking farther into the season, the Wyverns have set some goals as a team. When asked what those goals are both Co-captains responded, “to be a close team on and off the court.” “We also want to help new players and underclassmen improve so they can be successful,” senior Bella Leuschner said.
The Wyverns look to accomplish another winning season just like last year. “We’re looking to make it to the postseason tournament again,” Smith said. As long as they can continue to perform consistently and communicate well, they will be the team to beat. The Wyverns play their next game on September 28 against Suffield. KO then will go on the road for an away game against Marianapolis on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
