The girls’ varsity volleyball team continues its season undefeated, having brought down St. Catherine’s, Thomas Dale, St. Gertrude, and six other 5A and 6A region teams to begin in just the first three weeks of competition. During their season opener, they defeated Cosby 3-1 and swept Hickory and Godwin 3-0 in later games. 

   By joining off-season practices with the boys’ varsity volleyball team, they began their preparation in early August to set a goal of achieving a winning season after a good run at the state title last year. 

   “We did get knocked out by Grassfield last year in states, so this year we are definitely coming back bigger and stronger, wanting to reclaim that position,” senior captain Megan Leiner said. 

   To advance further in the playoffs this year, the team is expecting to meet difficult competition. According to first team all-region player and senior captain Mackenzie Dodge, Midlothian High School is an opponent they are eager to compete against.

   “It’s basically a rivalry,” Dodge said. “It’s also an emotional connection because you see your teammates across the court and you just want to beat them so bad.”

   Not only do the girls aim to win big as a team, but they’re eager to compete amongst each other as well. They set a high bar for success at each practice, competing for starting positions and playing time throughout the season. Though it’s a source of occasional conflict for most teams, the girls use this internal competition as a uniting force to acknowledge when a teammate works hard to earn a top spot.

   “We all want what’s best for the team,” Leiner said. “We all know that a person has to work for that starting spot and that nothing is handed out. Our coach does not play favorites.”

   In terms of in-game mentality, coach Scott Freer has taught the girls to have a memory of “a goldfish.”  This technique has helped them move on from previous mistakes and ascend above regret throughout any game. 

   “Have a ten-second memory and forget your mistakes,” Dodge said. “From my freshman year to sophomore year, I came in with a strong mentality and brushed off my mistakes.”

   With ten seniors and seven juniors on the team, the youngest player and only sophomore, Ivanka Jain, believes “everyone is like sisters.” Their bond and chemistry will be their motivation to go undefeated as the season continues. 

   “I just love my girls,” said Jain. “I would not be the person I am without Deep Run Volleyball.” 

   The team most recently lost 3-1 on Oct. 28 to Atlee, who is now 17-1. However, the girls remain undefeated in the region and have gone 16-3 overall.