After the season’s explosive start, the Girls Varsity volleyball team continued to take down their opponents one after another. The final season record was an impressive 25 wins and 7 losses. According to an article in the Monterey Herald, when the team reached 20 wins, they were the first to do so in the regular season for nearly 5 decades. The Breaker Varsity swept school rival Carmel twice, both at home and away, and ended with a league record of 11 wins and 3 losses, placed second behind Salinas.
The team made it to the Central Coast Section which is an offseason playoffs system that collects teams from the Central Coast and Bay area of California. This on its own is a huge accomplishment, especially in the fact that they placed 3rd in the tournament. Coach Jody Garry reflects on how, “Helping the kids who were struggling, guiding them to believe in themselves, and gifting them the confidence and belief in them that they deserve, was definitely a highlight.”
Their season came to an end when the Breakers were defeated in the second round of the playoffs. The team had to say goodbye to their only senior Avalina Dolowich, who led the team for the great season as an outside hitter. None of this changed the spirit, determination, and bravery they showed on the court every time they played in order to confront challenges and come back with a win. Our Breakers diligently wore team gear to school on game days to show their team pride, and even wore pink jerseys in October to raise Breast Cancer Awareness.
Coach Jody Garry and Senior Avalina Dolowich both reflect on their favorite parts of the season and explain that the bonding moments were the most powerful. Dolowich says, “I feel like we met our goals with our execution and our gameplay, but not so much in the playoffs. However, we had an amazing season regardless and I wouldn’t change it.” The end of this inspiring season is just the beginning for many different stories. When asked if she will continue with volleyball, Dolowich says she hopes “to play intramural or club volleyball in college.” Coach Jody Garry is also excited for the days ahead: “I’m so excited to work with this team again, I have a list of things I want to do, add, change and grow for the team and myself, and I’m super excited to get to work on that…And lastly, I’d like to find ways that we can be a part of the community in regards to service and/or school spirit.”
The Varsity Breaker Volleyball team had an amazing season, displaying what a true powerhouse team looks like and are expecting another great one next year.
