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The volleyball team has suffered a losing streak. Can they bounce back for Senior Night?

Updated: Oct 21

Summit High School's girls JV and varsity volleyball teams have suffered many losses this season. With Senior Night is fast approaching, can they bounce back?


The SHS girls volleyball team has shown their support during breast cancer awareness month by sporting pink jerseys at home games. Photo by Sofia Timpone

By Ali Carisch

Oct. 14, 2024


The 2024 girls volleyball season, which currently stands at three wins and 15 losses, has been a roller coaster ride of unexpected twists and turns. The team has navigated uncharted territory and unique obstacles that have disrupted the program’s balance and tested the players’ love for the game.


With their last home game fast approaching, and the end of the season a short five games away, the team is scrambling to win.


Freshman Ruby Snyder serves the ball in a home game versus Rifle on Oct. 3, 2024. Photo by Mackenzie Cross


At the heart of the team’s issues is the lack of senior student players. This season, the team has had one senior, Sophie Willms, who has grown to be a standout player and leader on the court. However, it’s been hard for her to make up the dynamics that come with a larger senior class.


"This season has been a challenge, but I'm trying to lead by example and set the tone for my teammates," Willms said. "We're working together to overcome our obstacles and make the most of our opportunities."  


Last season’s varsity team consisted of seven seniors, two of which continued on to play division one volleyball in college. The lack of experienced players this year not only affected the varsity team, but created a ripple effect throughout the program. The junior varsity (JV) team saw an increase in freshman players, from two in the 2023 season to five this season. This has caused the amount of sophomore varsity players to surge as well.

The coaches have acknowledged this change and can see that it has been having an effect on the team. 


"Normally, we'd have a more balanced mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen," said Coach Twila. "This year, we're relying on younger players to step up and contribute. It's a tough ask, but they're rising to the challenge."


This altered dynamic has affected team chemistry and presented challenges for coaches and players alike.

Injuries and personal issues have further depleted the team’s skill. Some notable absences, such as that of junior Lizzie Johnson, one of the team’s captains, who is out with an ACL injury, have negatively affected the team. 


¨I think since we are in a rebuilding year and haven’t been as big as usual, we've learned an incredibly large amount about our mindset, grit, and resilience throughout the season,” said Johnson.


Sophomore Kyla Salthouse spikes the ball in a home game versus Rifle on Oct. 3, 2024. Photo by Mackenzie Cross

Although the team is young, their optimism and newfound energy has been unmatched.


"Yeah, it's been tough, but honestly I feel like in a lot of ways we are becoming closer as a team, and it will make us better in the future," said Saige Heflin, a junior on the varsity squad. "We're learning to rely on each other and trust our teammates a lot more than before."


As the team navigates this unpredictable season, they're drawing strength from their fans and supporters. Students have been showing the team support at their most recent home games.


"Community support means everything to us," Willms emphasized. "When our fans show up to games and cheer us on, it gives a whole new energy to the game." 

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