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Ready to hit the competition as hard as a volleyball, the girls’ JV volleyball team is coming off of last years undefeated, practically perfect season, and they’re ready to kick-start their new campaign.
With experienced veterans returning to the team, including sophomore defender Katie Hwang and sophomore center hitter Jaela Caston, as well as a handful of talented freshmen on the squad, Lowell will be tough to beat. In addition, new varsity head coach Steven Wesley has got the JV girls pumped up and excited to win — hoping to bring home the city championship once more.
Wesley has brought an enthusiasm to the squad, while still focusing on the fundamentals that are key to the game. According to Hwang, “Coach Steven not only builds a strong foundation of skills, but also tries to integrate new skills into practice.”
Wesley, with his prior experience with the team, due to coaching the girls team two years ago, as well as JV coach Ron Palarca’s refreshing attitude, projects to be a strong one-two punch. “Coach Wesley and I are going to work together to refine skills and prepare the girls for the season,” said Palarca.
The girls seem to be equally excited to play under both coaches. “Coach Steven is a great teacher, but when I have a question, or need some help, I talk to Coach Ron. He acts as a leader and as a friend,” sophomore setter Viviane Nguyen said.
With 16 players on the squad, and only six starters, finding playing time for some may be a problem. Of the 16 players, 11 are freshmen; although outnumbered, the veterans have no concerns about playing on a team dominated by freshman players. “We’re going to work together to win no matter what, and besides, they’re all really cool,” Nguyen said.
On Aug. 30, the JV girls played their first pre-season game against Head Royce. As usual, the Cardinals had little difficulty ousting their opponent, winning their final game 15-3.
Following such a solid opening performance, the team is eager to begin the season, but despite happy faces and high fives all around, if the girls expect to bring home the city title again, there is much work to be done. The girls have daily practice from five to seven, but that’s not the whole story. From four to five, the girls have a mandatory “study hall,” in which they are required to do homework together for an hour, which not only improves their grades, but also their friendships.
With morale spiking high this early in the season, only great things can be expected from the Cardinals. Come cheer on your JV girls volleyball team at 4 p.m. on Sept. 27 at International Studies Academy as they face the Cobras.
A version of this article first appeared in the Sept. 9, 2011 print edition of The Lowell. |
