Vrunda Shah
Staff Writer
Heat was building up as American High School’s volleyball team had to win the second set to have a chance to win the game. Players on the sideline were filled with anticipation, adrenaline pumping through each of the players on the court.
The varsity volleyball game started off with a tie (9-9) in the second set. However, as the game progressed, it became more difficult to hold onto the tie. Even though the varsity volleyball game did not win the third set, they persevered through it. The results were 18-25 (first set), 20-25 (second set), and 18-25 (third set).
Senior Jaelyn Cooper, captain of the varsity volleyball team, was upset with the results. However, she encouraged her teammates to play hard.
“We need to work on fighting all the way through each match, one point at a time, and not letting up towards the end,” Cooper said. “We played well, which is what I expected. However, we should have fought a little harder to win some of the matches and potentially win.”
Even though Coach Fe was upset about the loss against Moreau, she believes that the volleyball team can do better because their practices do not reflect their performances at games.
“We should have played harder,” Fe said. “We could have played better. My team has a lot of talent this year. Unfortunately our record does not reflect that.”
Sophomore varsity player Elaha Yakubi believes that this team is like a second family because she can ask her teammates help regarding school, volleyball, and life. The volleyball team has a ritual called big sister-little sister which has helped Yakubi connect with her teammates. In this ritual, a volleyball player each gets a big sister or a little sister and, at every home game, they exchange gifts to appreciate each other.
“Every player is close to each other and respect each other on a different level,” Yakubi said. “We truly love and care about each other and have a really good relationship with the coach.”
Freshman junior varsity player Sheila Naderpour finds the big sister-little sister ritual motivating and resourceful, since it creates relationships between varsity and junior varsity players.
“It is really relieving to know that my big sister has gone through exactly what I have gone through,” freshman Sheila Naderpour said. “Mainly freshmans go to someone when they need help or need someone to look up to. It relieves us when we are playing the game because we know we have someone to talk to after the game and calm us down.”
Despite losing the game against Moreau, the volleyball team is still united. This game encouraged them to communicate better on the court and work harder as a team.
Eagle Era 