Lots of anticipation is built up for the girls’ varsity volleyball playoffs. After an incredible season, all the hard work and dedication has come down to this. It’s now time for teams to lock in and focus, because for some, it will be their last year playing for their school, and everyone is aiming for the same prize: a state title. The excitement and nerves that playoffs bring are unlike any other, with one game determining if your season will be over.
At the end of the regular season, only two teams in Montgomery County are left undefeated. Those teams are Magruder and Wootton. They are genuine contenders to go all the way to states in their respective divisions.
Right behind Wootton in the 4A West region is another potential contender: Churchill; they ended their regular season with a 13-1 record, with their only loss coming from Wootton. On Oct 11 at Wootton, Churchill lost 2-3. It was a tight game, showing just how good both teams are.
Wootton will start their playoff run against 9-5 Richard Montgomery, while Churchill will start against 9-5 Walter Johnson.
An impressive thing to note about Wootton’s 14-0 record is that nine of those games ended without Wootton losing a set, which further proves that they will be powerful contenders.
Also, keep an eye out for the 4A North division, where Sherwood and Wheaton have the same 11-3 record. Being that both teams are even, they will be sure to try and get the upper hand on each other if they meet again and will be sure to leave spectators with an outstanding game.
Just like Wootton, in the 3A division, Magruder’s 14-0 record also had nine games where Magruder didn’t lose a set. Both teams have been impressive and will continue to carry out these types of performances into playoffs, hoping to make states.
The teams that didn’t have the season they were anticipating, or couldn’t get into a rhythm this season, will look forward to next year with new goals that could include getting a positive record to making playoffs. However, they should reflect on the season and look at all the positives to see where improvements are needed.
Playoffs are always a special and exciting time for all sports, and it’s no different now. For seniors, this is their last season and last playoffs in high school, so they will make sure to give their all in hopes of making a deep run by using their experience to be the leaders they need to be. Everyone knows the margin of error is small, because one mistake could be the reason a season ends. Make sure to support your school for its playoff games. That extra support can help motivate your school’s team when they are down, or help them keep the momentum they have. You can be the extra push they need to win the game.
Written by Matthew Pina of Richard Montgomery High School
Photo courtesy of Seyun Park of Walter Johnson High School