Volleyball keeps a winning record during its first games because of a more relaxed atmosphere, according to varsity coach Whitney Meierotto.

The varsity team’s current record is 7-4. This includes a 2-2 record in their tournament Sept. 11-12 at Visitation High School and a 5-2 regular season game record.

According to freshman Maddy Macintosh, the decreased concern players have about errors on the court make this season more enjoyable.

“I think as a team we’re having a lot more fun than we did last year,” Macintosh said. “We are not stressed out all the time and not worried about making mistakes as much.”

A reason the team is not worried is because of Meierotto, according to Macintosh.

“I think the main reason is because of the coach, because she doesn’t get mad at us for making mistakes,” Macintosh said. “She knows we’re going to make mistakes and she doesn’t get down on us.”

Junior Anna Gleason said she believes another reason the team is doing well is because of how the girls on the team work together and because of their positioning.

“I think it has to do with the girls, this is probably the best team we’ve had in awhile,” Gleason said. “We’re good at hitting spots and knowing where people aren’t on the other team.”

According to Meierotto, the team plays its best when having fun and not stressing too much about making errors.

“I would say it’s definitely more laid back, I don’t think that anyone thrives under stress or pressure,” Meierotto said. “We make sure to create a fun competitive environment so we are working hard but we’re always aiming to have fun because that’s when we play our best.”

The team members are trying to be more positive toward each other when someone makes a mistake because Meierotto said she believes it’s OK to make mistakes and learn from them.

“We’re really working on lifting each other up because sometimes we’re our own harshest critics so we’re making sure that our teammates are there to pick someone up when they’re making mistakes and make sure they know that we’re going to be just fine,” Meierotto said.

According to junior Makayla Jones-Klausing, the varsity team is not the only team doing well. All the teams have had a very successful season so far.

The team’s next varsity match will take place 7 p.m. Sept. 24 against Bloomington Kennedy at Park.