Girls Volleyball

Setting up for success

Girls volleyball seeks strong mentality for postseason

Nicholas Rasmusson rasmunic000@hsestudents.org

The 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, Junior Samantha Perdue hits the ball at practice on Aug. 5 at Fishers High School. Photo used with permission of Kathleen Tran. we have realized how important volleyball was for us.” “Our program has a passion for the game, and we’re Senior Olivia Lux has taken the opportunity this reminded of how important that passion is every day,” season to get to know her teammates better, and said Peek said. that it has paid off well. Despite the team’s success, Peek is quick to remind the “The team’s mentality, right now, I think, is stronger girls that they must keep their heads down for the long than ever because of COVID and everything, because haul. Peek highlights HSE, Westfield and Yorktown as we can only really be with each other, so we’re closer difficult opponents, but notes that all of these teams are than ever,” Lux said. beatable. Yorktown is always top five in the state, and The team has been very successful this season, Westfield has 11 seniors and is in Fishers’ sectional. posting well over a .500 record. Head coach Steven While Peek sees these teams as difficult opponents, he Peek is very proud of this team. keeps the game plan simple. “The girls have sacrificed a lot to make Fishers “To beat them, we have to do the fundamentals. Play volleyball a priority, and I’m so happy they’re being great defense, serve well and help our teammates know rewarded with a fun, successful season,” Peek said. where to hit the ball,” Peek said. Peek emphasized that the girls play with passion and Once the regular season concludes, the IHSAA State have a will to win. Tournament will start on Oct. 13 with sectionals at HSE.