Harold Goldstein
With summer vacation over and the sports season kicking in, the Pierce women’s volleyball team stretches their legs and sharpens their skills as they prepare for the upcoming matches in the following months.
For the fall semester, there are 11 new players joining the Brahmas including Alyssa Melford, opposite and Samantha Hyman, libero, as well as returning players from last season including Janet Alvarado, outside Hitter and Emily Aceves, defensive strategist.
“I feel that this season we are more connected to the team,” says Kameron Ward, returning opposite/defensive strategist. “Last year we had some strong, dominant players but this year, the team chemistry that we have is going to take us to the next level.”
With the new season already under way, an uplifting confidence spreads throughout the team as they train hard to prepare to go against their opponents.
“We practice fundamentals like hitting, running, passing and setting,” says freshman Sarah Martin, outside hitter. “I don’t think anyone practices the same way (we do) so I think we have an advantage.”
With old-fashioned tactics still being used in the playing field, the Brahmas feel the hype when practicing for upcoming matches.
“We have all the same tactics,” Ward says. “We’re in the weight room twice a week making sure we’re doing the right things in there.
“We know that because we’re Pierce College that we have a target on our backs so any (team) that play us, they’re going to play their best against us and that fires us up during practice.”With the last season in the past, the Brahmas have grown greatly with playing skills improving and competition getting harder.
Head coach Nabil Mardini says, “The intensity level is so high and with team players being on the same page, our ball control has gotten better and blocking has gotten better.
“We’re in a good position right now but the season is long and we got to keep working harder and keep bringing our ‘A’ game.”The Brahmas will be playing in the Jaguar Invitational in San Jose Friday.
Pierce women’s volleyball Captain, Kameron Ward (bottom) runs the team through practice prior to a home game against Palomar College Sept. 17. Pierce has started out strong this year, undefeated as of Monday, and are in contention for their eighth-straight Western Conference title. ()