WJ Volleyball has become one of the biggest powerhouses in Montgomery County. Ranked number four in the state by MaxPreps, and number two in their division, WJ volleyball has become a major contender for the state title. Led by Coach Bill Morris and Captains Kristen Larrick, Brigid Morris, and Stephanie Paul, they have rallied back from last year’s devastating loss to Richard Montgomery and have won all but one of their matches. In the regular season senior Kristen Larrick led the team in kills with 170, senior Gina Fischetti led the team in digs with 178, and senior Corry Straathof in blocks with 31.
Morris stated that one of the biggest changes from last year is that he believes his team is better than in years past because, “[they] are totally dedicated to the team and not the individual.”
With most of their team composed of juniors and seniors, they have the experience and talent to win almost every match they play. Many of the players have been a part of the team for much of their high school career; consequently they have been through many of the ups and downs that the team has faced.
“One of our biggest stepping stones this season has been our maturity because our team has always been so young,” said Larrick.
With this major change in maturity the team has not only developed talent but also in-game experience. They are familiar with the screaming fans, the bright lights and the clutch situations that every team must face at some point in time.
“We are not as tense now, so we have learned how to relax,” said Larrick.
As they approach playoffs their main focus is to play together as a team and to build off of the energy from their outstanding season. Larrick and Paul will be huge parts to the team’s success, but they will also have to rely on strong performances from all of their seniors in order to win a state title.
As for their future, Senior Corry Straathof said, “If we have the right mindset, then nobody can beat us.”
Their first playoff game is on Nov. 5* against the winner of the Northwest and Bethesda Chevy Chase game.
*This article was created prior to Nov. 5.
