Big Red Volleyball Crushes Milton Academy
By PHIN GIBBS, EMMA LI, HANNA WEI, and SOPHIA XUE
On Wednesday, Sept. 20, The girls volleyball team secured a 3-0 victory against Milton Academy in their season opener.
“We kicked off the match with a bit of a slow start in that first set, but what a thrilling ride it was! Despite the initial hiccup, we managed to pull through and secure a 25-20 victory. It was a testament to our resilience and determination right from the get-go,” said senior and captain Sophia Dabney. “It was an amazing first step for us. We showcased our potential, and it’s clear that we have the talent and determination to make this season something truly special. It’s not just about the win; it’s about the growth, the learning, and the camaraderie that will define our journey.”
As they moved into the second and third sets, Dabney saw an entirely new level of unity from her team. “It was like a switch had been flipped, and we were firing on all cylinders. The synergy among us was palpable, and we dominated those sets by a much larger margin. It wasn’t just about individual plays; it was about the collective effort, the unity, and the trust we had in each other.”
Upper Ellie Ocampo shared Dabney’s attitude toward the game and the team as a whole. “The effort and energy on the court were amazing. It set the tone for what I hope will be a successful season. This team is going to be something special and has [some] big accomplishments ahead.”
Senior captain Amelia Byerly emphasized the importance of the win as validation for their hard work and preparation. “The win served as a moment that ignited a fire within us, motivating us to push ourselves even harder in the coming weeks.”
When reflecting on the game, Head Coach Bruce Shang thought it was an incredible first triumph for the team. “I thought we played well in our first game of the year. We have some things to work on, but overall, the team performed.”
Byrerly corroborated this sentiment. “While the victory was sweet, it also provided us with valuable insights into areas that require improvement. We’ve identified aspects of our game that need fine-tuning, and we’re eager to address them in practice.”
Upper Aoibhe McNamara praised the team’s collective enthusiasm and praised the win. “The win was a testament to the incredible potential that our team possesses.”
Shang commented on the team’s performance going forward. “The next game against Choate was an actual battle. 25-21, 25-23, 25-23. The games were high-action and stressful. We served tough and played great defense. Offensively, we had some great plays by Corinne Morrison, Amelia Byerly, Ellie Ocampo, and Clare McCann. We were able to slow down their Division 1 outside and squeeze out a tough victory. Next week we play number 1 Loomis, it should be a great game.”
When discussing the team’s future, senior Corinne Morrison said, “Looking into the future, I see a successful season. Everyone comes to practice each day ready to work and very ready to win. After a perfect regular season last year, we have a reputation to withhold, but I know our entire team is ready for the challenge!”
