Park’s girls’ volleyball team played against Armstrong on Sept. 9 at home. Park won the match in all three sets. Each set was competitive, as Armstrong got the early lead, but Park managed to pull ahead in the long run.
According to head coach Sam Hanlon, each set had a rough start, but Park ultimately came out on top because of their grit. Hanlon said teamwork is what truly got them the win.
“We started slow in all three sets, but we showed what we can accomplish by sticking together and really digging deep,” Hanlon said.
Senior Ivy Hoeschen said during the game she was focused on what to do next and where the ball would go. She said she was always thinking about what she could do to keep the game flowing.
“During the game, I was thinking about where I could swing or place the ball for the other team to be out of position, and to either get us out of a rut or to keep pushing our momentum,” Hoeschen said.
Junior Krychell Smith said communication was key throughout the game. According to her, talking on the court was the glue that kept the team together.
“We played really well. We could communicate until the end and put things together, and put the ball down on the ground against teams like this,” Smith said.
Hanlon said while it’s usually easy for teammates to get upset with each other over things like bad plays or not giving their all, Park was the exception. According to her, the team’s supportive nature allowed them to advance in the game together.
“Teams are very good at just getting mad at each other or blaming others for their mistakes, but we don’t do that,” Hanlon said. “We take ownership of it, and we just move past it and go.”
Hoeschen said morale plays a huge part in a team’s overall success. According to her, giving praise and compliments shouldn’t be exclusive to big moments, such as winning the game or scoring a point.
“We try to make sure (everyone on the team) feels good after we have a good play. If our setter gives a good set, we always let them know if our passers are having good passes.”
Smith said the season has gone well and is moving quickly. According to her, if the team keeps up the pressure, the season should be successful.
“If we keep up what we have done over the past few weeks that we have been this season, I feel like it will be a really great season,” Smith said.
Park girls’ volleyball will go face Two Rivers on 9/16
