By: Isabelle Yang, Staff Writer
Currently the Mills JV girls volleyball team is undefeated with a record of 12-0 in league. After beating every other team in their league twice and only losing one set the entire season, the team has earned first place in league. Staying consistent to maintain their record, however, hasn’t always come easily. Behind the winning scores of the team’s games is hard work and teamwork.
Noelle Young (10), JV’s starting setter and captain, reflects on the season, which she personally believes has gone well. Young explains how “…the team has worked together to overcome challenges…” especially ones they faced towards the beginning of the season, and highlights that communication has been a key component when facing any difficult situations individually or as a team.
Recently, the team had lost its first set of the season in a close battle to Woodside High School. The number two seeded team in the league, right behind Mills, took the first set with a score of 20-25. Despite starting off slow, the Mills team was able to bounce back and beat Woodside in three sets, with the final scores being 25-18 and 15-10, protecting their perfect record and demonstrating their seamless teamwork and determination.
Furthermore, Young describes how important team chemistry is. She expresses how “everyone on the team has created a great connection with one another…” which has allowed them to play at a high level and compete against challenging teams.
Along with feeling connected within the team, Young emphasizes the significance of positive energy on the court. She says, “We have created more and more cheers for us to use to encourage each other.” She believes cheering lifts their energy on the court and has made practices and games much more enjoyable, resulting in the team playing at their best. Some of the JV team is also often seen on the varsity volleyball team’s sidelines to support and cheer them on.
Coach Kathy Weingand also agrees that the team’s cheering during and before games “… can be intimidating for the other team.” In addition to their energy, Coach Weingand says their strengths are hitting and serving, elaborating that “… they know how to attack the ball.” She acknowledges that the team’s skill level is currently “in a good spot.”
Although the JV team has gone undefeated this season in league and has overcome every challenge they have faced, Coach Weingand wishes they had more opportunities similar to this game. She had hoped to play against different teams to demonstrate their progress and improvement.
