The team returned much of its production from the previous year while adding key new players to the court. Junior setter Alexandra Okumura has been a crucial new addition, providing experience for the squad while being a leader on and off the court. “She is the quarterback of our team,” Head Coach Joe Sobowicz said. “She has to communicate with everyone on the court, which is what makes her so important.”
Additionally, Coach Sobowicz highlighted two players who finished the majority of the Wyverns’ points: junior hitter Chloe Delaire and sophomore hitter Liliana Brachle. “These two have been a major part of our success,” he said. “Delaire’s improvement and the addition of Brachle have helped us in so many ways.”
Coach Sobowicz noted that this is the area the team has improved the most in since last season: finishing points. The Wyverns’ biggest weakness last year was scoring points, but this year they have improved significantly in this area, which has helped them earn the record they now hold.
On the contrary, the Wyverns’ biggest struggle on the court this season has been giving each team the same level of effort regardless of the other team’s talent. “I feel that we sometimes play down to our opponents,” Coach Sobowicz said. “If we can manage to go into every game with the same level of intensity, we will be much more successful.”
The Wyverns have an impressive resume so far this season, with wins over Choate (3-1), Taft (3-2), and Williston (3-1). They have only suffered two losses this season: one to an impressive Loomis team and the other to Class B rival Greenwich Country Day, whom the Wyverns hope to face in November in the NEPSAC playoffs.
Greenwich is usually strong, and they have rivaled the Wyverns in Class B over the years, but this year, Coach Sobowicz believes his players have the confidence as well as the skill set to get over the hump and take home the first-place trophy.
The Wyverns are in position to have a home playoff game, which will be extremely helpful come playoff time. “Having fans show up, be loud, and support us is such a benefit,” Sobowicz said. “This can be the difference between a 3-2 loss or a 3-2 win.” Furthermore, the neutral site championship game will also be played at KO in Hewett Gym, and if the Wyverns do what many know they can do, playing in the finals in front of a home crowd will be a tough ask for any opposing team.
Overall, the girls varsity volleyball team has had incredible success this season, and we look forward to seeing what they can do as the season progresses into the playoffs.
