Sports
Westwood Looks for Positive Change in Volleyball
The Wolverines look to bounce back after missing out on the playoffs by a single game last season.
Nothing is harder on a team than fighting for a playoff spot all season and falling short on the last day.
The girls' volleyball team put together their best season in some time last year, but couldn’t get past a tough Medway opponent in their season finale, depriving them of their chance at the State Tournament.
This year is different, however, as the Wolverines are sporting a new coach, new captains and a whole new attitude.
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Kevin Whitaker replaces Jay Warren on the sideline, and he has already been impressed by what he’s seen so far from his girls.
“I’ve been most impressed by our student-athletes’ determination and coachability—their attitude has been superb,” Whitaker said.
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Whitaker will have seven seniors to lead his club this season and will be accompanied by four juniors and three sophomores.
Carol Han, Emileigh Rau and Bele Wariboko are the three captains and will lead a new offense Whitaker has instituted. His offense consists of two setters and is extremely fast paced and is eventually supposed to throw the opposition off guard.
“Our offense may start out a bit more traditional as we continue with our offensive transition, but I’m seeing growth in a quicker standard of play that could bring us to the next level,” said Whitaker. “It is developing nicely and we are beginning to quicken our pace of play which will disrupt other teams’ rhythm as we get quicker and quicker.”
The only way Whitaker feels that this can be done, however, is by having everyone play their part and working together as a team.
“We’re going to win games by playing as a unit and taking advantage of match-ups in each rotation," he said. "I think we will have different players having big nights for us from game-to-game."
The Wolverines jumped out to a quick start in game one of the season on Tuesday, defeating Needham 3-1.
With a few more wins, before the offense is perfected, Westwood figures to be well on its way to a playoff birth, something Whitaker and his girls have made a team goal.