BAM. The sound of a volleyball hitting the ground echoes through the gym. This year, boys volleyball is winning more games at their current point in the season. This year, the team got their third win in their fifth game, which occurred on Sept. 18. As opposed to last year when it took them nine.
“I think we are definitely playing better this year,” junior Brian Kenney said. “We’re working harder than last year and it has really shown.”
According to players, their resolve to work harder has also altered their energy and drive. Kenney believes the returning players have led this push and have already surpassed last year’s 4-win record.
“I think we definitely fit together really well,” Kenney said. “The older guys have really helped the new guys fit in and the new players are helping us perform better.”
Freshman Maxi Pranoto said the new players are fitting well into the flow of the team and keeping the level of play up. He also said this has helped the team to play harder and succeed in places they fell short last season such as how they are placed second in the Concord district as of Oct. 16, when last year they were placed fifth by the end of the season.
“I think that the new players have really been a good addition to the team,” freshman Maxi Pranoto said. “These new players will definitely make a difference in future years.”
Boys volleyball coach Sydney Hicks has also made changes from last year. She reflects that the changes like the addition of new players and gear have helped the team to reach how far they have this season.
“We essentially changed the way we approach the game,” Hicks said. “We are playing a different brand than last year and that has really helped our success.”
The team continues to not only win, but win by larger margins; like their 3-1 wins against Centerville and Madison, while last year they lost 0-3 in both of those match-ups. Last year, the team won one game through their first five, beating Herndon but losing to McLean, Langley, West Springfield and South Lakes. All 0-3. but this year they have won three of the first five games, defeating Meridian, Westfield and Madison.
