Varsity:
As spring picks up, beach volleyball is back on the sand courts. Despite having a new season starting, including some new faces, these girls all have the same goal in mind: state championships.
In order to have a successful season and reach such an achievement, a bond must be formed amongst these girls.
“We all have really good communication… I feel we all really got to know each other and have a good bond altogether,” said Kaylee Woodruff, senior.
This close bond has really helped strengthen the team, making it a highlight season for returning players.
“Our season has gone really good so far, it’s been my favorite year yet since everyone’s so close with each other,” said Logan Sutton, junior.
This friendship has not only benefited the girls from off the court, but on the court as well.
“We’re a great community. We’re always cheering no matter what–we always cheer on the sidelines for each other–we always trust each other, and we work well as a team,” Woodruff said.
Having such a tight-knit group allows these girls to go far with each other, resulting in a win during their last game.
“Our last game went really well. We swept Queen Creek, and didn’t lose any sets,” Sutton said.
This win streak has brought a ton of excitement and determination for their upcoming game against Horizon.
“We’ll do really well against Horizon because we have a couple players coming back,” Woodruff said.
After some difficulties amongst the players, some girls will be returning this season, proving to be committed to the sport and the girls.
“I think state is going to be a challenge this year, but we’re all so committed that I have no doubt that we’ll win,” Sutton said.
JV:
However, varsity is not the only team sewing the lines for success. JV Beach is right behind them, sharing the same goal of attending those championships, working even harder than before.
“We’ve been working extra hard to prepare for state [championships],” said Yorgelis Gomez, sophomore.
This extra practice has paid off, considering their win from their previous game against some of their biggest competition, Queen Creek.
“Our last game–we won all our matches. So everyone was having a good time,” said Adisyn Guiliani, sophomore.
Everyone is excited about the most recent win, but some of the improvement was thanks to their loss against Xavier.
“We lost against Xavier, but we know strategy now, and some of our starters are coming back, so I think we’re pretty confident we can go far,” said Adela Salinas, freshman.
Despite the rough start, these girls continue to push through and improve, not only in their skills but also in their bond.
“I think our team started a little rough with the line-up, but with practice, the culture is getting better and everyone’s learning how to play with each other,” Guiliani said.
As the culture–or friendship– amongst the girls improves, the team starts to feel more like a team. The sport is openly loved by all of its players, not just for the game, but for the friendships that are able to be created.
“[Beach] is one of the best communities at O’Connor, because from seniors all the way to freshmen, everyone is really connected and everybody is willing to do the most for their team,” Salinas said.
This bond allows for any conflicts that may arise to be sorted out through communication.
“We take time to talk, and if we have differences, we talk it out. Overall, we have a good connection,” Gomez said.
This connection will lead the girls straight to state championships.
“Our season started off strong and I think we’ll be really good for state,” Gomez said.
