Heavy panting and squeaky new shoes resonate in the gym for two-and-a-half hours everyday — this is how the Lowell JV volleyball team gears up for a new season. The team’s undefeated season last year finished with a perfect storybook ending when they reclaimed the championship title, after the Balboa Buccaneers’ two-year streak. The Nov. 13 game ended swiftly in two short matches with the final scores of 25-18 and 25-20.

On Friday Sept. 3, the team effortlessly cloned that game as they defeated the University High School Red Devils with almost identical results — two quick matches with scores of 25-18 and 25-19. The team was consistent throughout the game, effectively dominating on offense. The coaches put all the players on the floor for each one’s opportunity, and the freshmen demonstrated their potential, especially middle hitter Amorelle Applin and setter captain Gianna Braganza.  “We performed better than we had expected and our offense was absolutely amazing,” sophomore outside hitter Kimberly Delen-Briones said. “But we need to improve on defense and talking on the court. We also need to stay off the net.”

According to freshman defensive specialist Erica Lei, the team stepped onto the court with a mixture of nervousness and excitement, but they quickly pulled things together. “We were nervous at first — as freshmen — because we didn’t know what to expect,” Lei said. “But we were really pumped up and it turned out well.”

The Cardinals’ early efforts show that they are determined to continue last year’s winning streak. “I think that the city championship is definitely within reach,” sophomore setter Krystal Karunungan said. “But I also hope that we can improve our statistics in the preseason, particularly against Saint Ignatius because they were especially competitive last year.” The team’s preseason opponents last year were not only at a higher skill level, but also had a physical advantage in size.

This year, the team is composed of a solid bench of 5 sophomores and 10 freshmen. Although there are only two returning sophomores, Karunungan and Delen-Briones, the additions to the team have come with much experience playing their own positions. “Many of our freshmen have played on club teams or in middle school, so they have good foundations,” Karunungan said. “As a returning player, I just want to help guide them in terms of rotations and teamwork.”

Although the individual players seem well-prepared, the team needs to coordinate its teamwork with some on-court experience. “We have a lot of back-row players, but fewer all-around players than last year’s team,” Karunungan said. “We only have two setters and one back-up. Despite having exceptional team chemistry, we need to balance out our positions and work on cooperation.”

Come support the Cardinals at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 13 at San Mateo High School against the Bearcats.

Note: This article first appeared in the September 10, 2010 issue of The Lowell.