Amaris Alarcon
Very few teams can say that they were 30-2 during their season. Very few teams can have a bond that is not just of being a teammate but also a friend. Very few teams can say that their team is ranked the number one team in California.
However, the woman’s volleyball team this year achieved just that.
With an amazing season behind them it’s hard to imagine what their plan for next season might be.
“The ending was not what we wanted but you can’t measure the season that way,” Head Coach Nabil Mardini said.
Their last game this season was against Orange Coast College during the second round of regionals. This ended their 61-home-game winning streak that had lasted since Oct. 11, 2002.
“It’s unfortunate that we played our worst match where it counted the most,” Mardini continued to say. “But not many teams can say that they had this good of a season.”
It’s also hard because 10 sophomore players are graduating while only nine are coming back.
“The fact is that it’s bittersweet that it is over now,” captain and opposite/outside hitter, Kami Ward said. “Especially the way that it ended.”
Ward’s contributed to this season is scoring 42 kills and also 65 total digs. “Overall, this year we came with a game plan,” Ward said. “We had the same goals and same ethics.”
The sophomores are leaving the freshman several different strategies, which have created a great prospect for the next season.
“We are thankful for the sophomores because they gave us guidelines of what we need to do for next season,” freshman, Reyna Rochin said.
Among the nine returning freshmen, is outside hitter Sarah Martin who led the season with an outstanding 316 kills. She also tied for second with opposite hitter Vanessa Murray with 12 solo blocks. Outside hitter Janet Alvarado led with 13 solo blocks.
“This season was fun and we played hard,” Martin said. “I’m looking forward to playing more with the freshmen that are returning next season.”
As for the next season, Mardini says that he will not change the way he has done things in the past.
“I have a very simple formula for next year,” Mardini said. “Which has been the same for the last eight seasons that I’ve been coaching here.”
The other lost came at the beginning of the season against El Camino College with a score of 3-1.
However, the team won the San Diego Mesa Tournament with a 4-0 overall victory, beating Glendale Community College of Arizona in the finals 3-1.
They also won the Jaguar Invitational in San Jose with a 4-0 overall victory over schools such as Lassen Community College, Feather River College, and Sierra College all 3-0. They beat Sacramento City College in the final game 3-1.
The team also won their eight-straight conference championship with a 12-0 overall score.
Through it all, Mardini explains that the girls had many sacrifices in order to be part of such a successful team.
But in return for being on the team they all now have a special bond.
“We are not only teammates now, we are also close friends on and off the court,” Ward said.
Through the success and turmoil this team has been through, a season result like this shouldn’t be a surprise. This is also why a great season next year will not be a surprise either.
Women’s volleyball players rejoice after scoring during their final game of the season. ()