This fall, the girls volleyball team continued its streak of stellar seasons but was stopped in its tracks by a disappointing second-round defeat in the playoffs. The team’s regular season ended with a dominant 10-1 Prep League record and a co-champion title, shared with Flintridge Prep, but for the Panthers, this level of success has become expected––they’ve finished first in Prep League twice in the last three seasons and haven’t missed the playoffs since 2008. This consistent success means that their seasons are now defined by how deep their playoff runs are. The playoffs started on a high note. In their first round match on Wednesday, Oct. 22, the Panthers pulled off a nail-biting 5-set victory over Santa Monica. The team tried to ride this success into the second round but, unfortunately, suffered a 3-2 loss to Saugus on Saturday, Oct. 25. Although the girls fought with determination and grit, they were unable to accomplish their championship goals. Sophomore Keira Kim reflected on the loss: “We were both undersized teams that excelled at keeping the ball alive. Ultimately, what gave Saugus the win was a bit of a lack of communication on our side of the net.” Despite the loss, Poly still demonstrated resilience and fortitude throughout the tedious playoff games. Head coach Katrina Damasco shared, “Our mental game was a big piece of it, especially with back-to-back 5-set matches.” The team cultivated and embraced a chemistry that extended beyond the gym. Junior middle blocker Daniela Watson noted, “I think that our team has a fantastic bond, and it allows us to play our best and always be able to support each other and our weaknesses. On the court is a mental game because we’re a strong team, but we’re so hard on ourselves that sometimes it can affect how we play.” The team’s regular-season success can be attributed to seniors Ellie Chu, a setter, and Camelia Ding, a hitter. Damasco reflected, “They stood out not just because of their performance on the courts, but their leadership that they brought to the team.” While the Poly girls volleyball team’s playoff run ended sooner than they had hoped, their season proved something far more important: the heart, unity and mental fortitude central to their team. This season has come to an end, but the progress achieved lays a strong foundation for a confident and promising return next year. 
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