Team photo of Highlanders Girls Varsity Volleyball.

By Harry Kane and Steve Walker

Girls Varsity Volleyball had a slow start this season, but lately it’s been just the opposite. The team has been on a winning streak and is headed to the playoffs.

The squad is 13-6 at the moment. They have won their last 7 games and are finishing off the season later this week.

“That’s the best record we’ve had in a bunch of years,” said Coach Steve Walker.

Coach Walker said that last year was a transitional year, with three sophomores moving up from JV to Varsity.

“We had some very talented athletes that we thought could make the jump, so we brought them up last year and got them some Varsity playing time, which resulted in some growing pains,” Coach Walker said.

Those players helped prepare the team for this year.

“Now, we have a very strong group, who has played together for a year,” Coach Walker said.

Early in the season, Highlanders started off slow with 1 win and 3 losses.

“Even though we started off a little slow, we knew we had potential, we had room to grow and we had something to build on,” Coach Walker said.

Then they got three wins, and Coach Walker saw the potential of getting into the MIAA Tournament. To reach the playoffs, the team must finish first or second in the league or win half of the 20 games.

“That tenth win was always our first goal,” said Coach Walker. “And then once that happened, we talked about how every win after that just helps increase our record, increase our standings.”

Team Captain Alexis Bowie spiking the ball. Bowie is the Middle Blocker and Opposite Hitter. — Photos courtesy of SPS Athletic Department

There are three captains on the Highlanders team: Astrid Blair, Josslyn Marujo and Alexis Bowie.

“They’ve just been phenomenal leaders, on and off the court, whether it’s running team bonding days, or just making sure we stay focused on the court. Their attention to detail is just fantastic,” said Coach Walker.

Early on in the season, Somerville Highlanders lost to the Malden Golden Tornados. But roughly three weeks later on October 3, Somerville went to Malden, and they won 3-1. That was the turning point for the team.

“That was the real eye-opening moment,” said Coach Walker. “I think that was a big moment for us.”

That game started their seven-game winning streak and propelled the Highlanders into the playoffs.

As a team, the Highlanders are averaging over 10 kills per game, 3 aces per game and 8 assists per game.