Bulldozing their way through the competition, the varsity volleyball team remains a powerhouse in school athletics, going on their eighth consecutive win.
The team is currently holding the school afloat with the local county competition, the County Cup, with their 9-1 record. Crucial wins against Whitman, BCC, Walter Johnson, Quince Orchard and Churchill have helped alleviate the damage of losses to these County Cup rivals in other fall sports, though the team has their sights set on far beyond the County Cup. The team’s run in the playoffs last year left them hungry for more, with their 3-0 loss to North Hagerstown in the state championship finals.
With their aspirations set high, the team acknowledges the necessity of a balance between a high level of competition and a strong team culture. Over the last four years, senior captain Tayrn Su said she has seen the growth of the team culture through energy, connection and motivation. Also with the title of county champions in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and regional champions in 2023 and 2024, the team has heightened their level of competition and continue to hold the bar high. As the season progresses, the key to winning games is the work put in behind the scenes to foster a competitive culture, “where everyone pushes each other to get better, while still keeping that family feeling within the team,” Su said.
The foundation of a team sport is the core idea that the team plays for each other, and varsity volleyball embodies this in each game they play. From the sideline cheers including an “ace train,” when a player scores a point off a serve, to the team huddles after every play to not only celebrate, but also support, uplift and strengthen the team after a mistake is made, the competitive environment is evident. Highlighted through the specialized roles and three-hit rule, strong communication and connection is a pertinent factor of a winning team. “We are all very comfortable with each other so that translates to our play on the court,” senior captain Sofia Sossa said.
Head coach Mary Malinauskas plays a pivotal role in the achievements of the team. Recognizing the importance of fun yet serious practices, Malinauskas creates a team atmosphere that strengthens the bonds between players, and ensures that the team is prepared for intense situations in games through rigorous practices. The team is able to build up their game performance by practicing maximizing reps, preparing intense conditioning and weight lifting sessions and focusing on enhancing game-speed connections between players. The dynamic and intentional planning of practices by Malinauskas makes sure each player reaches their fullest potential by ensuring an “efficient and effective practice each day,” junior Haile Ma said.
Filling the gaps from alumni Naima Cho-Khaliq and Emma Li, the team is constantly working to push their limits and reach the best of their abilities. Since last season, “our hitters and passers have improved in their respective categories, benefitting us both defensively and offensively,” junior Malia Bellamy said.
With an upcoming senior night on Oct. 9 against Sherwood, and Richard Montgomery on Oct. 16, the team hopes to continue their winning streak by cleaning up their play.
Mirroring the success of the varsity team, JV volleyball hopes to maintain their 9-1 record as they finish out their season against Wheaton on Oct. 23.
