Poly’s girls volleyball team has secured multiple remarkable victories in their recent games, leaving their fans in awe and their opponents in utter devastation. The girls volleyball team is on an incredible six game win streak in the Prep League, which includes the Mayfield Senior Cubs and the Flintridge Prepatory Rebels.
Poly’s most recent wins have displayed their exceptional skill and coordination, as well as the effort they put in during the off season. The Panthers have established a reputation as a dominant force in their league, creating a standard of winning for future years.
Senior Irina Alsoufiev remarked, “The Poly volleyball team has a great dynamic this year. We work well together and are close on and off the court. “I think this season has been challenging, specifically in the mental parts of the game. We are a talented team, there is no doubt about that, but the mental game of volleyball is far more critical for a team’s success,” she added.
In a highly anticipated game against their rival Mayfield, the Panthers were victorious in a close four-game set. The match showcased the Panthers’ resilience and mental toughness against trash-talking on the court by the opposing team and the barks that came from the stands. The fourth and final set of the game ended with a score of 25 – 22, ensuring the Panthers’ status as the team to beat in the Prep League.
Poly’s collective effort has been shown throughout the past games. However, three leading volleyball players stand out on the team. Senior Cyanne Jones, who committed to Colby College, has been influential with her perfectly placed spikes along with her crucial blocks throughout the season, especially against Mayfield. Poly’s defensive specialist, junior Caroline Holdsworth, is active in the defensive plays and serving. Lastly, Poly’s outside hitter, sophomore Camellia Ding, is crucial to the team’s success with her repetitive, blindsiding hits. These players have been invaluable to Poly’s recent victories.
Junior Olivia Ip commented, “I would describe my teammates as a family and a support system to lean on both on and off the court. We have good chemistry and synergy to defeat difficult opponents. We get along well and are able to make playing enjoyable and memorable.”
Head coach Katrina Damasco-Dicipulo said, “We came into this season with a team of very skilled and talented individuals. But learning to play together, uplift each other, and feed each other the energy needed for success is part of the game we have been working on. It is hard work that takes a lot of patience and grace for themselves and each other. And, each member of the team has made the commitment to the team to do the hard work.”
The Poly girls volleyball team has its sights on more prestigious accomplishments, which include winning Prep League and a 2023-2024 CIF championship. The dedication and commitment the players have given to the sport have primed the team to reach these goals.
