Lady Spikers conclude preseason
by Lydia Gee & Kaitlyn Tang
Photo by Dustin Vu
Girls’ varsity spikers were scheduled to begin league competition Sept. 6 against the Mark Keppel Aztecs, after ending preseason with an overall record of 5-1.
The lady Spartans concluded their final preseason match on Aug. 30 with a win against the Downey VIkings, 3-2, with set scores of 25-20, 23-25, 25-16, 21-25 and 15-8. They faced their first loss of the season at an away game against the Gabrielino Eagles with set scores of 25-12, 21-25, 23-25 and 18-25 on Aug. 24.
“Preseason was a fun experience that made us stronger as a team. It prepared us for league and got us back into shape. We bonded a lot more which helped us to communicate and perform better on the court,” said senior Allyssa Rodarte.
With set scores of 25-15, 25-19 and 25-5, the varsity team shut out the El Rancho Dons 3-0 Aug. 23 at home. The Santa Fe Chiefs were defeated 3-1 Aug. 20 with set scores of 25-21, 25-12, 23-25 and 25-17.
“The most memorable part of preseason was making a new bond with new teammates. It prepared me for league because it gave us a taste of what will be facing during season,” said junior Vanessa Murillo.
The varsity Spartans emerged victorious, 3-0, in their first two preseason games against the Paramount Pirates and Bellflower Buccaneers on Aug. 16 and Aug. 14.
Preseason was an opportunity to develop and fortify the bonds between all levels and their newly formed teams. Working and practicing together assisted the players’ communication skills and gave them confidence going into league.
“We were a new team with new people in the beginning, but we eventually grew closer and more comfortable with each other. It [preseason] improved my ability on how to talk more to my teammates and prepare me for league,” said sophomore Leslie Quezada.
The JV and frosh/soph teams both concluded their preseason with overall records of, 5-1.
“All of us would work out together as a team and encourage each other to work harder and it built us to a successful team and a successful league season,” said freshman Jaquelyn Sandoval.