With a large proportion of fresh faces, the JV Volleyball team has been forced to develop chemistry on the fly. Although the season has been rocky at times, new players have demonstrated potential for the future.
After starting the season off with three straight wins, the team fell to Taft in the fourth game of the season, which became the first loss in a five-game losing streak. However, the team has since improved, and is currently on a winning streak, with wins against Berkshire, Sacred Heart, and Choate. With a current record of 8-5, the team seems to have left its cold streak behind.
The win against Choate came as an encouraging surprise for the team after it had previously lost to Choate 3-1. The team played hard and took the Boars to a fifth set, which the girls won 15-13.
Ha Trang Tran ’22 said, “Our opponents were very strong, but this gave us the objective to work harder and live up to our potential. I’m grateful to the team for working and fighting hard during the whole game.”
A challenge for the team this season is conducting drills with players with varying levels of experience.
The more advanced players quickly demonstrated proficiency with fundamentals while rookie players are staying patient while devoting themselves to improving basic technical skills.
Strategically, Head Coach Bill Fenton has been emphasizing an attack mentality. Fenton has pushed the girls to attempt to hit every ball that comes to them, while still playing smart.
This aggressive strategy has proven to be very effective, as the team has shown dramatic improvement since the beginning of the season.
In addition, Coach Fenton has been encouraging each and every player to improve their touch in games. Although their offense is a strength, serve reception and clean passes are areas for potential improvement.
Co-captain Abigail Sim ’20 said, “Everyone needs to focus [on] each stage of the point, rather than thinking too far in advance. The first pass should get to the setter, and the setter helps out the hitter. [We] don’t dwell [on] winning or losing the game.”
The team’s gradual improvement has been a key part of their success, allowing them to develop and improve throughout the season and overcome initial struggles. The team’s game on Taft Day will be a tough match for the team, as Taft and Hotchkiss have met once already, with the Rhinos coming away with the 3-1 win.
The team looks to add to their winning record as they try to avenge their loss on Taft Day.