Varsity Volleyball: A
Force To Be Reckoned With
by Suzi Wakatsuki
With the season completed,
the girls varsity volleyball team has succeeded in accomplishing
a number of goals and played their very best in every game and
competition, all the while turning heads in the process. The league
record, 1-6, was topped off with a victory against Sacred Heart
Prep, in which the girls exuded unity and determination to utilize
their talents and win the match. Their overall record remains
a whopping 18-14, an impressive accomplishment considering the
prestigious teams who make up the West Catholic League.
The girls’ intention was to make it to CCS, and their goal
was achieved. Not only did they play hard and win two of their
three games, they represented Valley Christian well, embodying
the well-known school motto of “Quest for Excellence.”
These girls didn’t just embark on a journey in search of
success; they found it and claimed it as their own.
The first round of CCS was held on November 10 in which VC was
pitted against Half Moon Bay. This was the only team that Valley
had no reference as to the caliber of their skill, as no other
team that Valley had brushed shoulders with had competed against
them either. Nonetheless, the girls battled hard and came away
with a victory, the first game achieving a score of 25-19, the
second 25-10, and the last game 25-20. Noteworthy effort goes
to junior Ashley Anders, who had 9 “kills,” a term
signifying that a point had been gained by means of a spike. Junior
Haley Carroll also had an impressive showing with 15 kills to
aid the team in their victory.
Game two of CCS was another resounding victory against Monte Vista
Christian on November 13. This was the quarterfinal game and they
won three of the five games, allowing them to advance to the next
round. Carroll represented well, with 29 kills and 12 “digs,”
which is when a team hits the ball over the net and is kept from
hitting the ground by the other team. To the volleyball novice
this term can be understood as a defensive pass. Anders aided
the team with 15 kills and 12 digs while senior Jennie Check had
8 kills and 3 blocks, all of which came at crucial moments in
the game, either when Valley was 1 point behind, tied, or 1 point
ahead.
Notre Dame Salinas, the number one ranked seed, meaning that they
are expected to be the most challenging team to beat, was set
to play Valley on November 17. Valley won the first two games
with scores of 25-23 and 25-19, but the pressure began to build
as Salinas returned with two wins of their own. The final outcome
would be determined by the last game. Playing hard and executing
their moves with finesse and grace, the girls fought competitively
but were unable to come away with a victory. Nonetheless, these
girls fought for what they wanted and achieved their goal of competing
in CCS, not only to make an appearance, but setting themselves
up as a force to be reckoned with.
The girls’ hard work paid off and several of the players’
efforts were recognized in the league statistics. Setter Haley
Carroll ranked third in league in total kills, with 93, while
Anders ranked thirteenth with 51. Lani Rasmussen ranked sixth
in league in assists, with an impressive 127, while Laura Nystrom
tied for sixth place in blocks with 17.
The crowd turnout at each of these games was spectacular, and
not just because Valley was hosting the matches. Coach Mike Snoddy
remarked on the spirited display of support from the fans, specifically
the support coming from the football and the girls’ basketball
teams. “They were absolutely the most, best, awesome, supportive
fans. They were phenomenal.” He extends his thanks to each
of these teams who showed their support in creative and encouraging
ways.
Check, the only senior on the team, will pursue her passion for
this sport in college, as she received a partial scholarship to
William Jessup University. Snoddy remarked on the impact that
Check had on the team, saying that she “is a devoted player,
willing to play any position to benefit the team. Her work ethic,
drive and leadership will be missed.”
Coach Snoddy wishes to thank the rest of the team for the hard
work and devotion to the sport. “I am very honored to have
had the opportunity to coach such wonderful and loving group of
kids. I have been truly blessed.”
