Aragon girls volleyball (0-1 overall)* is embarking on a new season after finishing in third place in PAL last season. The team also came close to entering Central Coast Section Division II finals after an intense match on Nov. 4 with Valley Christian (1-0 overall)* that ended in a score of 3-2. In the fifth and final set, the Dons lost by a narrow margin of 19-17.
“I think it’s the best game we had the whole season,” said senior middle blocker Jessica Castroviejo. “[We] just kept pushing through [and thinking that] if [the opponent] can get up ten points, why can’t we? Our plays were smart [and our] hits were aggressive. Our passes were intentional.”
For junior libero and defensive specialist Kathleen Suayan, the high stakes also took a toll on the team during the game.
“[There was] definitely a lot of emotion because … during the CCS, you don’t know when it’s your last game,” Suayan said. “[We] have to put it all on the court, especially for our seniors.”
Head coach Annette Trimble also thought that the game was a highlight of the 2021 season.
“It was a great experience for my girls … because … a lot of those players haven’t been to CCS [due to] COVID,” Trimble said. “There was only one girl that’s been to CCS before.”
New varsity players include sophomore outside hitter Sophie Rubinstein, who is the youngest on the team.
“[I anticipate] a more competitive environment,” Rubinstein said. “Last year [in junior varsity], we knew we were going to win our games.”
Castroviejo believes that the biggest improvement the team needs to make is the mindset before games.
“I think we felt a little defeated before the games even started,” Castroviejo said. “We knew [Hillsdale was] really strong [because] … they made it all the way to state [championships]. Volleyball is a very mental sport. You have muscle memory of all that training [so] … when you’re in the game, it’s [about] … staying positive.”
“Volleyball is a very mental sport. [When] you’re in the game, it’s [about] … staying positive”
Another drawback from last season was how COVID-19 caused a division between players.
“At the beginning of the season, a lot of the players didn’t know each other [because they] … didn’t play school,” Castroviejo said. “It took a while for us to come together.”
Castroviejo praised Suayan for strengthening the team bond last season.
“We have a really good libero,” Castroviejo said. “She always … had a positive attitude and … everyone all looked up to her even though she was younger.”
There are eight returning players, including former junior varsity players Rubinstein and junior setter Hunter Kwan, who were invited to play with last year’s varsity team for CCS.
The next away game is on Sept. 10 at 6:15 p.m. against Terra Nova High School (1-1 overall)*.
*Records as of Aug. 30
