Defeat is not in the JV volleyball team’s dictionary. After spiking its way through another undefeated season, the team is ready to tackle playoffs.

On Nov. 2, the team stomped the Lincoln Mustangs, 25-12 and 25-8, continuing the winning streak since their win over the Galileo Lions last week. The team had won by a narrow but definitive margin with two identical scores of 25-22. “The scores were close because the teams we’ve played in recent games were more challenging,” sophomore outside hitter Tamara Chan said. “Because of our lack of practice time, we weren’t quite on top of our game, but luckily we pulled through at the end.”

In late October, the team had cancelled nearly a week of practice due to scheduling conflicts, which may have affected performance in recent games. “If we practiced everyday, we would be more advanced in our skills and plays,” Chan said. “We would also be more accustomed to playing together as a team.”

Nevertheless, the team has come a long way since September and improved in skill. The offense put up by middle and outside hitters was a key strength of the team, according to Chan. “Each player has improved individually which has contributed to our team overall,” Chan said. “We now play quicker and more aggressively.”

On Oct. 28, the Cardinals tamed the Wallenburg Bulldogs in two intense sets. The scores, 25-20 and 25-13, were close in comparison to earlier games, in part due to lack of practice time. The team also lost some players for periods of time. Recently, a knee injury forced middle blocker Jaela Caston to stop playing for about two weeks.

Come support the Cardinals at 4 p.m. today at Lowell for the playoffs against the Galileo Lions.  The Lions have clinched the fourth playoff spot after breaking a rare three-way tie with the Lincoln Mustangs and Burton Pumas.