Middle blocker Rilyn Todd (’17) reaches high over the double block and earns a kill for the Barons. Photo by Michelle Nhi Nguyenby Agnes Chang, Staff Writer, and Michelle Nhi Nguyen, Staff Writer/Photographer
Girls varsity volleyball won against Marina with a score of 3-2 at their cancer awareness game which successfully raised $915 for the McKenna Claire Foundation.
The McKenna Claire Foundation is an organization that aims to cure pediatric brain cancer by raising awareness, increasing community involvement and funding research.The players wore specially-made jerseys for the night and were joined by the enthusiastic loud crowd who wore pink to support the cause.
The girls had a shaky start and gave the first set victory to Marina, who was led offensively by front-row players #2 and #13.
However, the Barons were able to pull through with their consistent serving, wall-like defense and high spirits, ending the neck-and-neck match with overall scores of 23-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-17 and 15-5.
“There was a lot of encouragement [on the court]. Even when they lost a point, they were still able to shake it off,” said spectator Phiona Reilly (‘19).
The Barons were led in the offensive by right-side hitter Amy Hinnant (‘17) and middle blocker Kennedy Hood (‘17) with several kills, as well as by libero Britney Tran (‘17) with her consistent digs and serves throughout the game.
“They were very effective in blocking and attacking. Especially at the end of the match, our defense really picked up and that’s what helped us finish strong,” Assistant Coach Grant Metheny said. “There were some lulls, but the high points were really high and they finished strong.”
The girls practice every weekday from 3-5 PM after school and are working hard to improve their communication and synchronization on the court for the rest of the season.
“We’re pretty much just practicing by passing and shuffling. [We practice] a lot of hitting into the corner, rather than into the middle of the court so that way it’s harder for teams to get the ball,” middle blocker Rilyn Todd (‘17) says.
