The JV Carlmont girls volleyball team fended off a dynamic Aragon team in dramatic fashion to advance to 8-1 in league play.
After defeating the Dons 2-1 on Oct. 10, the Scots are in the hunt for a league title. This year’s success is credited to certain teammates who have stepped into a leadership role after the school fired the team’s head coach earlier this year.
“[Curly Raddavero] has definitely stepped up. Her energy and her abilities are as good as some of the varsity players I’ve coached. Her get-it-done attitude also propels the team,” said the team’s interim head coach, Irene Oliveira.
Though only a freshman, Raddavero’s leadership was much needed as Carlmont found a late surge of energy to edge out the Dons in the third set. The Scots claimed the first set easily with a score of 25-16. After dropping the second set 25-20, and letting Aragon back in the game, the Lady Scots came from behind and won the third set 15-13.
Carlmont knew that Aragon would be a tough challenge, as they are just below the Scots in the league standings. The win extended their league win streak to six games.
“We really try to keep our focus up. We also gelled well which is really important for our success. Our friendship off the court helps on the court a lot,” said Raddavero, a freshman outside hitter.
The bond that the Scots possess was shown continuously during the game. Constant encouragement from the bench gave the players on the court an edge. Even though they were not on their home court, the team was vocal throughout the game. This energy wore down the Dons’ mental state.
The Lady Scots will need to keep up this energy and focus for their upcoming test against Menlo-Atherton. The Bears are the only team to defeat the Scots and are the one roadblock that stands in front of their championship hopes.
The Scots’ lackluster finish last year left a sour taste in their mouths, so the returning players made it a priority to correct their mistakes.
“We practice really hard every day and focus really well. This week, our main focus was blocking,” said Keani Haake, a sophomore libero.
Carlmont’s next game is on Oct. 15 at home against Menlo-Atherton, where they will look for revenge and try to claim first place. Fans looking to support the Scots will find them at 5:00 p.m. in Carlmont’s main gym.
