
*This was a story originally written last semester. Please accept Ms. Woodward’s apology in publishing this late. Students in Productions hope you still enjoy this story.
The volleyball A team ends their season 17-2-1. They finished first in the mid season tournament and second in the end of season Gold division. Their only losses were to Campbell during regular season play and Pleasant Lea at the end of season tournament.
Elaina Noaese is an eighth grader on the Navigator team and is a returning A team player. Elaina’s position is an outside hitter and defensive specialist. She felt Campbell was their toughest opponent because they were a competitive team, but knows that OTMS’ A team is a competitve team, too. Noaese lead the team in digs with 15.
“I feel like have we good defense and we have strong hitters; we know how to play and communicate well,” Noaese said.
Grace Fields is an eighth grader on the Voyager team and is a libero. Fields believes that volleyball is a hard sport because it’s tiring. She is on A team this year, but was on B team last year. Along with Abigail Hester, they racked up 23 serves in the three set game against Pleasant Lea in regular play.
“There’s more competition this year, ”Fields said, “I clear my mind and just focus.”
The Pleasant Lea game during regular season was a tough one but was a win after three sets: 27-29, 25-12, and 15-13. Zoe Berry had multiple assisted blocks with Halle DePeralta. Berry is an eighth grader on the voyager team and is a returning A team player, Zoe’s position is the right side.
“It’s fun because we have harder opponents and fun games,” Berry said.
Coach Taylor is the A team girls head coach of the middle school volleyball team. She enjoys coaching at the middle school level. She believes it’s the perfect time to help girls grow and gain a better understanding of the sport while still having fun.
“I feel really good about my team this year, I have a good group of girls on and off the court” Taylor said.