Sports
N the Red
Setting up for success Girls volleyball seeks strong mentality for postseason Nicholas Rasmusson rasmunic000@hsestudents.org
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he postseason is approaching for the girls volleyball team, and they are preparing for whatever obstacles come in their path, whether it be mental or physical. Junior Mia Fehlinger believes that playing with emotion is key, and she makes sure to emphasize it. “We want to make sure that we’re working hard, and we’re playing with passion on the court,” Fehlinger said. Fehlinger, along with senior teammate Camryn Haworth, stated that the attitudes at practice have become more competitive and focused. “As postseason play approaches, the attitudes of everyone have become more serious in preparation for our hardest games of the year,” Haworth said. Right now the team is working to polish off their skills before the state tournament begins, but Haworth also emphasized how important the mental aspects of the game are. “[The keys to the game are] staying calm when points get tight while keeping the intensity up,” Haworth said. “We have really worked on our energy during the match with cheering on the court and on the bench.” Haworth said that she and her teammates have learned to appreciate the game more this year, which has helped the team, by bringing them closer to each other. “I think our mentality and appreciation for the game has changed a lot this year. With COVID-19 limiting our fans and not getting to go to other sporting events, we have realized how important volleyball was for us.” Senior Olivia Lux has taken the opportunity this season to get to know her teammates better, and said that it has paid off well. “The team’s mentality, right now, I think, is stronger than ever because of COVID and everything, because we can only really be with each other, so we’re closer than ever,” Lux said. The team has been very successful this season, posting well over a .500 record. Head coach Steven Peek is very proud of this team. “The girls have sacrificed a lot to make Fishers volleyball a priority, and I’m so happy they’re being rewarded with a fun, successful season,” Peek said. Peek emphasized that the girls play with passion and have a will to win.
Junior Samantha Perdue hits the ball at practice on Aug. 5 at Fishers High School. Photo used with permission of Kathleen Tran. “Our program has a passion for the game, and we’re reminded of how important that passion is every day,” Peek said. Despite the team’s success, Peek is quick to remind the girls that they must keep their heads down for the long haul. Peek highlights HSE, Westfield and Yorktown as difficult opponents, but notes that all of these teams are beatable. Yorktown is always top five in the state, and Westfield has 11 seniors and is in Fishers’ sectional. While Peek sees these teams as difficult opponents, he keeps the game plan simple. “To beat them, we have to do the fundamentals. Play great defense, serve well and help our teammates know where to hit the ball,” Peek said. Once the regular season concludes, the IHSAA State Tournament will start on Oct. 13 with sectionals at HSE.
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