After wins, team looks to another strong season

ALAN SCHAEFFER Sports Editor

The Bruins continued their strong start to the league season, picking up a clean 3-0 victory in their home rivalry game against Leigh on Tuesday.

Coming off their sweep against Independence, Branham looked to keep that momentum and shut out their Longhorn rivals, but looked shaky in the first set. A number of missed hits and some good Longhorn blocks gave Leigh an early lead, but the Bruins fought their way back into the match, eventually winning the set 25-17.

By that point, Leigh was no match for Branham, as the Bruins went into cruise control, winning the second set by over ten points with a score of 25-14.

Although the third and final set saw a closer result than the second, Branham remained in control of the game before winning 25-19. Sets from junior Ethan Lo and strong hits and serves from seniors George Argiris and Sean Willson saw the game out, extending the Bruins’ record to 2-0 in league, 5-2 overall.

Despite losing three crucial seniors last season, the team has big ambitions for this season, especially off the court.

“We always say we want to win and take league and take CCS,” varsity coach Heather Cooper said. “But if I had to reflect on all of it, how do I create the culture and the Branham family that I’m used to having.”

The JV team also emerged triumphant, winning the game with a score of 2-1 and keeping their 2-0 league record safe.

They proceeded to defeat Leland on Thursday, bringing their record to 3-1 in league.

Moving forward, Cooper hopes that her players take home something more than a victory.

“I think it’s great that we bring home trophies and banners, but in the end I want to make sure that I’m able to leave as much of an impact on them as they leave on me.”

Varsity Girls: 1-1

Varsity Boys: 1-1

Across their two league matches this season, both girls and boys have won one and lost one

Boys Golf Varsity: 0-5

Although they have struggled this season, not all has been bad, as unior Ricardo Pham and sophomore Adam Wong have stood out amongst the team.

Boys Tennis Varsity: 0-7

It’s been a rough season for the boys tennis team, and between rain cancellations and strong opponents they have yet to win a league match. However, player like junior Frank Junkar have stood out.

Badminton

Varsity: 2-1

Despite a rough loss to Leigh, the Branham baminton team is having a solid year. Individually, the Bruins have done well and their two wins were by pretty significant margins.

— Compiled by Alan Schaeffer

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