Through pre-game pasta parties, offensive strategies, and unbreakable trust, the East Lyme High School girls’ volleyball team has swept the competition, resulting in a 15-1 record and an ECC champtionship. Now, they’re aiming for a higher target- the state championship.
With 20 straight wins, they stand ranked second in the state of Connecticut. For the first time in ELHS history, the team finished with a gold medal in the Springfield Volleyball Hall of Fame Classic.
“Our entire roster has strong contributors; no superstars. Whether you play every rotation or only a few rotations, everyone contributes through gameplay and being good teammates,” volleyball coach Jack Biggs said.
However, there are lots of achievements reached by leading players, such as seniors Finnley Wilson, Isabella Diep, and Jordyn Skinner, who have led through actions and words. Wilson and Diep have dominated the net– Wilson, an outside hitter, reaching 3.4 kills per second, and Diep, right side hitter and setter, leading the way with 138 kills. Skinner, a libero, is the server extraordinaire, serving 33 aces, while junior Natalie Knowlton, outside hitter, has assisted on 329 of those kills. Every player demonstrates sportsmanship and cohesion, but also shines on their own.
Although the Vikings have crushed their competition so far this year, it hasn’t come easily compared to last year’s season. The team heavily credits the significant shift in communication and trust for the success over the year-long break.
The Vikings’ positive environment and boosted morale come from both the supportive seniors and every athlete’s attitude. With their “game faces” on, the team is ready for anything on or off the court.
“Off the court, we go bowling, make posters for each other, and have pasta parties, which makes us much closer-knit and familiar,” sophomore Olivia Diep said.
However, even with an almost perfect record, challenges are still present for the ELHS volleyball team. Their opening game against RHAM High School was their most difficult of their season, resulting in their only loss. Coach Biggs noted this was a good lesson early in the season not to take any teams lightly.
“We must motivate ourselves to play against teams that may not be as skilled as us, so we have to find ways to create our own energy and positivity, so we don’t play down,” Coach Biggs said.
While overcoming these challenges, certain strategies are utilized. To improve communication, it’s critical to be vocal and open-minded, ask questions, seek advice, and offer support during games.
“Taking criticism is essential, even if you don’t want to hear it. It helps you grow,” senior Isabella Diep said.
On the court, the team focuses on being in the right spots or positions, and they refine blocking and defensive schemes, allowing their strengths in both offense and defense to grow.
Although focusing on constant improvement, the Vikes have faced many “turning points” during their season.
“One of our biggest turning points was going up to Woodstock, and after single-handedly beating them in every set, that lightbulb went off. Ever since then, we’ve never looked back,” Coach Biggs said. Strong serving got the team going, and the team started to mesh.
The strong team has won ECC’s for the fourth year in a row. The team has only lost five total sets this year; none in the ECC’s.
With seven seniors, the Vikings have the experience to make a run at another title in the future.
