Girls’ Volleyball Falls to Choate

Last Saturday, the girls’ volleyball team played away against Choate. The team battled hard but ultimately lost 0-3, lowering their record to 1-2.

Despite the loss, Exeter took away many positives and recognized areas on which they can improve. Lower Sophie Faliero commented on the team’s mentality going into games. “I believe that our team is capable of winning the championship for the third time running. However, the overall attitude of the team, including myself, is that when we miss a ball or let one hit the ground, we think it’s no big deal,” Faliero said.

She continued to explain that giving up these seemingly insignificant points would not benefit the team.

“We can do this. We all just need to put a little more effort into getting every ball in on the other side of the court and to let the other team make the mistakes,” Faliero said.

Senior and co-captain Rachel Luo touched on mental toughness and how crucial it would be to Big Red moving forward.

“We’ve had a bunch of rough calls in our recent games, and it’s been tough shaking them off and focusing on the game, but it’s what we need to do,” Luo said. “Mental toughness will be a challenge throughout the season, but Coach [Shang] works on it by encouraging plenty of competition within our practices.”

“Mental toughness will be a challenge throughout the season, but Coach [Shang] works on it by encouraging plenty of competition within our practices.”

Lower Molly O’Day agreed with Luo. “We can’t get discouraged after we lose a point. Instead, we have to shake it off and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” O’Day said.

The team found success in their passing against Choate. “Overall, our passing in the Choate game was better than in previous games,” Faliero said, putting the game in perspective. “Also, we were smarter with our hitting; looking on the court to find the open areas and hitting around blocks helped our team earn points,” she said.

Luo continued to explain that the team was “hitting positive,” meaning that when the team set a hitter she would win the point more often than making an error.

Going forward, Exeter looks to improve their communication and defensive strategy.

“One thing that we have struggled with, and that the other teams have beat us in, is making sure that no ball ever hits the ground,” Luo explained.

Next Saturday, the team will compete against Loomis. Big Red intends to work hard in practice, improve their communication and defensive strategy, and ultimately maintain their composure. The team hopes to get a win, and raise their record above .500.