Halfway through the volleyball season, Varsity has played seven games and one tournament. After falling to the Jeb Stuart Raiders earlier in the week 1-3, Varsity spent Saturday at the Raider Rumble Tournament hosted by Jeb Stuart. Several other high school volleyball teams joined AHS and Jeb Stuart, including Falls Church, McLean, Tuscarora, Westfield, Dominion and George Mason. Varsity tied their first game against Falls Church 1-1, but sadly fell to Mclean, Tuscarora and Dominion, 0-2. AHS got knocked out of the first round of play offs.

“Coach K is great. She is very optimistic and always pushes us to do our best,” senior Brooke Thadeus said.

Getting a new coach can affect a team in many different ways, but luckily for this team it has brought them closer and they all seem to love their new coach, Alicia Kranak.

“Our new coach is sweet and really helped us bond together as a team. She motivates us to try our hardest,” junior Maddy McCrossin said.

Coach K has nothing but good things to say about her new team, “It’s been a lot more work than I thought it would be but I love it and I really could not imagine myself coaching anywhere else at this point.”

“The season is going really well. Each week we are growing and improving as a team and I think that we are going to continue doing so,” a determined Coach K. said.

With a record of 2-5, the girls remain optimistic about the rest of the season. They have yet to play any teams in their conference, including Woodson, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, West Potomac, T.C. Williams, South County and Mount Vernon.  “The season is going good so far. We’ve definitely improved from last year,” junior Katie Garish said. “We will do great against conference teams because of our chemistry but we will still need to work hard.”

“This year the team is much more close than the past couple of seasons. We had started the season strong but now with all the other teams improving we also have a lot of work to accomplish,” junior Maddy McCrossin said.”If we want to go far in the upcoming conference, we really need to focus on improving as a team and executing the plays that we spend so much time practicing.”

Volleyball’s teamwork and dedication is evident during their spirited games. Volleyball has always been one of AHS’ more spirited sports. The girls do little cheers before games and after each point is made. Varsity also comes to watch parts of the freshman and JV games. “It feels really good to know that varsity is there watching you and supporting you,” sophomore JV player Jessica Roop said.

Be sure to come out and support AHS Volleyball at their home game on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. as they take on Thomas Edison High School.