The girls volleyball team returned from the preseason Ann Kang Invitational tournament in Hawaii with a record of 4-4. It was their first competition of the season, and the team started with a 2-0 win against Hawaii Baptist Academy on Aug. 11, before losing 2-0 to Moanalua High School on Aug. 13. To advance to the semifinal game, the team needed to place top two in their pool, but they placed fourth. The squad bounced back and won their season-opener 3-0 against Woodrow Wilson High School.

Despite the tournament’s outcome, outside hitter and Columbia University commit Avery Jones ’23 said she is confident the team will be well prepared for the start of the regular season. 

“During preseason games and practices, we are going to fine-tune some of our skills that we struggled with during the  Hawaii tournament and continue bonding as a team,” Jones said. “With all the new people on the team, we want to make  sure we create a strong team dynamic so that we can flow together when we’re on the court, ultimately with the goal of maximizing our skills.” 

Outside hitter and Duke  University commit Grace  Thrower ’23 said she liked the energy the team brought to the tournament and is glad they are not taking their time together for granted. 

“Everyone is super motivated, especially after winning [the state championship] last year,”  Thrower said. “We have high expectations and the preseason is where we really come together as a team. We all want to win again and our season is not that  long, so we’re trying to use every opportunity that we have to get better.” 

Last season, the girls volleyball team was led by performances from Daily News Player of the Year Kennedy Hill ’22 and captain Sophia Lindus ’22. With these players now playing volleyball at Northwestern University and Wesleyan University, respectively, Jones said it is essential that they quickly integrate the younger players into the team. 

“Hill and Lindus were definitely big parts of the team both on and off the court, but we are working really hard to make our new additions to the team comfortable playing on a varsity level,” Jones said. “The seniors are also stepping into leadership  roles this year, just as [they] did last year.” 

Hoping to become state champions once again, Thrower said she believes the team will be able to improve over the course of the season. 

“We can improve on consistently playing at a high level,” Thrower said. “We only had a  week of practice before going, so that confidence and team chemistry will come with time  as we get to know each other  and play together more.”