Poly’s girls varsity volleyball team continues to dominate in season with a recent 3-1 victory against Flintridge Prep. For a thrilling match point, senior Bella Duncan delivered the game-winning overpass slam, winning the final set 25-20. With this victory, the team currently holds a 11-0 record in league play. As reigning Prep League champions, their hard work, determination, and team chemistry are evident both on and off the court.
Currently undefeated in the league, the team is projected to have a promising season. From the very first serve of the season, the team proved that they have what it takes to make it to the top, starting the season with three consecutive wins. Despite their impressive record, however, Head Coach Katrina Damasco acknowledges the challenges that come with such talent.
“Our team has a depth of talent. And that’s a huge strength, but also our weakness,” she explained. “We rely heavily on our natural talent but sometimes, we take our talent for granted and lose a little bit of our discipline in taking care of the small things and easy skills. Our challenge this season is to maintain a high level of play and to stay disciplined with every point.”
It seems that although the team holds a talented and experienced roster, there is still work to be done in order to reach their full potential. One of the team’s greatest assets is their versatility when a player adapts to different positions. Senior co-captain Olivia Ip sheds light on how she is filling a different position this year:
“This year it’s been different because I’m playing primarily as an outside, whereas in the previous two years I’ve been playing I played on the right side.” Like Ip, many other players on the team displayed strong abilities to transition seamlessly into new roles when needed. In addition to the team’s depth, the Panthers owe it to the incredible support from their coaches and from each other. This team culture is rich with encouragement and accountability, pushing every player to perform at their best.
“The coaching staff has been really helping me catch different technical errors I make and helping me correct them during practice. They also really support the team mentally,” Ip said.
“The whole team is really nice, encouraging, and inclusive, commented sophomore Sona Martin. “I always feel like I’m becoming a better player due to not only the team as a whole but also our coaches and captains.”
As the season moves forward towards stronger opponents, the players and coaches are working with more anticipation and excitement than ever. The girls volleyball team will play against Chadwick on Sept. 11 and Mayfield Senior on Sept. 13. With five seniors on the team, the progression of the season is bittersweet as their departure awaits; consequently, the girls hope to make this season memorable, leaving no regrets.
