Girls’ volleyball started their season on a high, shutting out six teams in six games. This winning streak meant the Cats were confident heading into their rivalry match against B-CC. However, during the match, the Cats suddenly lost their momentum, losing the game in 5 sets, 3-2. Although this game was highly competitive, the Cats didn’t take this loss for granted. Instead, they chose to learn from the loss and build on their earlier success, focusing on fixing key gaps in the offensive and defensive fronts.

The Cats looked to put this game behind them as they picked their heads up to focus on region rival, Churchill. Last season, the Cats were eliminated from playoff contention by the Bulldogs. The Cats struggled offensively in that playoff game, making crucial mistakes. Churchill took this to their advantage, capitalizing on WJ’s poor defensive and offensive skillset.

“Last year, there was missing energy,” sophomore Emilia Zhang said. “We went into the game already expecting a loss, and that is exactly what we walked out of the gym with.”

The Cats faced Churchill on Monday, Sept. 30. WJ focused heavily on reversing the mistakes made last season.

For the first time since 2015, girls’ volleyball defeated Churchill, breaking a 9-year losing streak that weighed on the Cat’s success over the years. The Cats were dominant, ending the game in three sets and improving the Cat’s record to 8-1.

“It really felt great because we have lost to them every year that I’ve been at WJ,” senior Sofia Silberfeld said. “So it feels great to finally get a win, and show them how strong our team is,”

Throughout the first weeks of the season, the Cats were able to sweep through 4A West Region II competitors, Quince Orchard and Walt Whitman, as well. WJ also had notable clean sweeps against Watkins Mill, Clarksburg, Poolsville and Blake.

This past weekend, WJ participated in a local volleyball tournament called “The Battle of Bethesda.” The “Battle of Bethesda” consists of eight high school teams, all located around the Bethesda area, with each team playing four games in the tournament. Richard Montgomery came out with the title, seizing it from private school opponent, Holy Cross.

“I think we played really well, but we got tired,” senior Annabelle Kehoe said. “It was a long full day of volleyball, match after match. I think everyone worked really well as a team. We played together, actually together, instead of one on one. Everyone did their part, everyone came ready.”

WJ acquired a 2-2 record in the tournament. Although this tournament doesn’t affect the teams’ regular season schedule, the Cats rely on this tournament to fill gaps, scout other high school programs and play teams they will face later this season.

Girls’ volleyball looks to build on their historic win over Churchill when they take on Sherwood on Saturday, Oct. 5.