Jesus Acevedo

Against Soledad on September 30th, Nayeli Gil-Silva and Sara Neumann blocked an attack from Soledad, scoring a point for the Trojans. “I love contact sports and when I’m blocking it makes me feel like I’m telling the other team, ‘You can’t do that!’” The Trojans beat the Aztecs 3-0.

After going winless in the league last season, the girls’ volleyball team knew they had nowhere to go but up.

Last year, the team finished in last place in the Mission division. One of the major reasons was the need for more experience and confidence on the court. According to Coach Cynthia Huerta, “Last season was a learning season, a lot of the girls that are on the team now were freshmen and sophomores.”This year, the team consists of 16 players – 9 returners and 7 newcomers. Returning this year are seniors Bryttlee Fernandez (Libero),  Alyssa Annis (DS), and Xitlaly Hernandez (Middle); juniors Sara Neumann (Middle), Nayeli Gil (Opposite), and Janelle Medina (Setter); sophomores Areli Rodriguez (Opposites), Aaliyah Quintero (DS), and Lali Solis (Setter). Joining them this year are juniors Alena S. Ruiz (Outside), Rebecca Jimenez (Outside), Madison Mendoza (Outside), Fernanda Armenta (Setter), and Mianicole Frias (DS); sophomores Elena Neumann (outside) and Paola Gil (Outside).

Now that the girls have had more experience, not only with volleyball but with one another, the team has made some great improvements this season. Through 12 league games this season, the team is 7-5, and currently in 4th place. “Our communication is better and we have been able to keep a neutral mindset on the court,” Captain Sara Neumann said. For senior Xitaly Hernandez, one of her ultimate goals is to finish her last year strong, “ We just want to beat teams we lost to last season.” 

Although a shot at the playoffs might be a bit of a longshot, qualifying for CCS isn’t entirely hopeless. According to Athletic Director Jose Gil, the top two teams in the league automatically qualify for CCS playoffs, and then the next top 8 teams have a chance to earn a bid, based on their league and overall record.