Last week spiked off the boys volleyball season. The Varsity team is already feeling pressure to uphold last year’s second place state title.

   “We were really close on and off the court… Even though we didn’t have the physical part of the game 100% of the time, we had the communication part down,” said Zak Umansky (12).

   Last year the team had a strong season until they lost two games in a row to Stevenson High School and Lake Forest High School. “We got our act in gear, and after that it was pretty much uphill as far as teamwork and communication that led us to playoffs,” said Jared Bennett (12).

   Returning seniors include: Matthew Kushnir, Isaiah Liu, Zak Umansky, Chris Winter, Johnny McDonald, and Jared Bennett. Although half of last year’s team graduated, they are optimistic about the upcoming season.

   “[Last year] we thought that we weren’t going to do so great because we lost a lot of seniors,” said Umansky. Every year the incoming seniors are forced to step up and lead the team.

   Matthew Kushnir (12), was the captain of the JV team last year and serves as an important bridge between the classes. “It helped me become a leader and connect with the younger guys on the team to build chemistry going into this season… We’re really tightly knit now,” he said.

   “We have a lot of work to do but I think that if we put our heads together we can definitely succeed again this year,” said Umansky.

   Come support the Varsity team at their home first game on Monday,  April 11 at 6:00.