The girl’s JV volleyball team recently brought back a championship from their SISAC tournament held in Concordia. The girls team played a total of three games each comprised of 2 sets, and they won all three games.

However, victory did not come without trials and tribulations. “During our first match, Amanda got a black eye and many others got injured too. We thought we were done,” Grace Lu, ’22, said. Mandy Tsai, libero, seconds Lu’s point. “The first time, I couldn’t catch a girl’s serve, and I was so nervous,” said Tsai.

Michelle Huang, ’22, said the variation of the gym sizes they played in was one of many challenges they faced. “We also tend to perform shakily under the pressure of a leader or championship game.” Likewise, Amanda Cai, captain of the team, said they started the school year with a lot of changes like rotating positions. 

But, according to Cai, it was through these challenges that both and team and individual players were able work together to conquer any difficulties along the way. “As a captain I felt really confident about our team because we had won all games except one, which was against YCIS.”

Winning the SISAC tournament also allowed players to reflect on their growth individually and as a team. “Over the season, I’ve learned to be more patient and always stay positive,” said Cai.

Valencia Hartono, ’22 said “Everyone was really supportive even if they were on the bench. I learned that sometimes you just have to be there for the team, even if you don’t get put on.” 

Huang agreed and said, “As a team, I think definitely enjoyed being loud and supportive of each other, both during practices and games.”