Our school volleyball team is starting off their season strong, currently being undefeated. The first game for Titans volleyball was on August 29th against Jefferson Forest. Since then, they have had 5 games: 2 against Byrd, another one against Jefferson Forest, Christiansburg, and Northside. They won in 3 sets against these teams except going to 5 sets playing Christiansburg. Starting a season off undefeated sets a good mindset for the rest of the season. They have had many successful seasons in the past; being state runner up and state champions, so there are high hopes for this season as well.
This summer, the team had an open gym every week where they did conditioning and practiced what they were going to do for this upcoming season. Having these open gyms is important so the players don’t take an entire summer off and have to start playing when school starts back up with no practice. Many members of the team played travel throughout the year, and the opens gyms were just an extra way to get reps in and stay in shape. The travel teams and open gyms have definitely paid off considering they are undefeated and are ranked first in the state.
As the season kicks off, some players are making goals for themselves and the team. “I would like to win another state championship,” says Camlyn Morstead (11). Setting goals is an important aspect when playing a sport, as it can motivate the players to do their best to achieve these goals. “This season I want to go as far as possible in playoffs to hopefully get another ring, but also enjoy my last year with my team as a senior,” stated Caleigh Ponn (12) .
Many memories are made when playing a sport that you love, such as your favorite games or the ones that you did your best in. Morstead states, “This past Christiansburg game was a memorable game for me because it was the first game I played how I know I can play without being scared to do so.” Fear often holds us back from reaching our full potential, but it is important to do your best especially when it is a team effort. “The most memorable game for me was when we played fort defiance in the state semi finals where we won in four. Being a captain leading the team and watching everyone come together made that game so special,” Ponn states.
“Like some people do, I can never listen to rap music before games, I have to listen to calming music, so I don’t get amped up,” says Morstead. Some people have a pregame routine that they do before every game. It can be different for everyone based on what they like to get in the right mindset to play. “Preparing for a game is important, but before games we mainly talk about just knowing that our skills and our discipline will prepare us best and focusing on what we can control to limit the opponent’s chance to win,” says Ponn.
The season is just getting started and Titans volleyball is already off to a great start! The volleyball game schedule is on Instagram as “hvtitanvolleyball” if you want to attend and show your support! Also be sure to show up for senior night against cave spring at home on Thursday October 24th, at 7:00 pm.
