The Beachwood volleyball team were undefeated for their first six games before falling to Independence on Sept. 2.
Regardless, after winning three more and dropping another to Fairview on Sept. 9, the Bison still have an outstanding record of 9-2.
Players attribute their success this season to the skills they gained through off-season play.
Junior Captain Gianna Preston is proud of the team’s growth these past few years. She attributes much of the growth to off-season training.
Preston participates in an off-season Junior Olympic club called “DG Warriors,” where she has been active for six years.
“Junior Olympics (JO) is off-season training which prepares the team’s skills,” Preston said. “It consists of tournaments and practices with teams that are made before high school starts. 70% of the [BHS volleyball] team participates in this.”
Another factor in the team’s success this year is strong chemistry with teammates, which improves communication and motivation.
Junior setter Sadie Barnholtz also participates in off-season training through a club called “Rock City,” where she has played for the past four years.
Barnholtz believes the team can make the CVC (Chagrin Valley Conference) championship with the valuable skills they carry.
“My goal is to get as far as we can to the CVC championship,” she said.
In order for the team to advance in volleyball this season, they have to have the right attitude.
“[It’s important to keep] a good mentality on the court, to be able to shake off your mistakes, and to keep your energy up for yourself and your teammates,” Barnholtz said.
During each match, the lady bison adjust their strategy to match the other team’s strengths and weaknesses on the court.
“[We] watch tapes and see the other team warm up to adjust our play, focusing on different players of the team [to then come together and] discuss it,” defensive specialist Riley Dodds said.
On the court, players focus on having a positive mindset and working together to improve their confidence, even when the score is down.
A typical practice for the Lady Bison usually includes preparing for the team they will soon play against.
“We do a lot of serving drills, defensive drills, and then normally around the end of practice we’ll all get together as a group and work six on six–a full match where all of us are on the court [and] everybody is in their positions,” Dodds said.
In order to have a successful season, most of the players have to stay calm during intense situations and focus on what is happening so they can effectively contribute their part.
Lady Bison will face Richmond Heights at home on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6:00 p.m.
