The Maiden volleyball team started district with a win on Tuesday against a Fort Stockton team which kept them out of the playoffs last year.
It took five sets to win, but Coach Amanda Kirkpatrick saw it as a positive step.
“I’m pumped,” Kirkpatrick said.”We won the first one. It really set the tone for the rest of district.”
Kirkpatrick said the team is blessed with defensive and offensive strengths.
“We are strong at the net,” Kirkpatrick said. “We dig tough balls and chase everything down. We don’t quit. We’ve got multiple options that make us hard to defend which makes for some fun volleyball.”
Junior hitter Austyn Flowers said her season goal involved trust.
“I would like to continue to build relationships,” Flowers said. “I want us to have trust in each other. I want us to be comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Junior librero Ashlyn Guynes said she has learned to be a better communicator during predistrict.
“We’re working better as a team,” Guynes said. “We have improved our skills. We have all worked to be there for each other as a team by communicating on and off of the court.”
Senior blocker Brittany Wimmer said she has improved in her mental game.
“Mrs. KP (Kirkpatrick) has told us several times to be mentally tough,” Wimmer said. “She has said it so many times, it helped me be mentally tough. It has helped me be a better blocker.”
The Maidens have learned to settle in and focus, Kirkpatrick said.
“They don’t panic,” Kirkpatrick said. “The energy in our huddles, from the bench and on the floor, as well as the way they encourage each other has been clutch when games are on the line.”
Guynes said she looked up to senior hitter Malia Richardson.
“She always has a positve attitude,” Guynes said. “She helps me when I’m not feeling myself that day.”
Eight out of the 13 players are seniors. Kirkpatrick said they all embrace their role as leaders.
“They lead by example in their effort and composure,” Kirkpatrick said, “and they keep the group motivated. They’re not afraid to hold teammates accountable, and they do a great job guiding other players.”
Senior setter Arlett Nava said she works with the pressure in tough games.
“I used to be really bad with my mindset,” Nava said. “I would get mad and stay mad, but now I sit out, focus and go back in. I try to use the pressure as motivation.”
Kirkpatrick said making it to the playoffs is the goal.
“It comes down to discipline and believing in ourselves and each other,” Kirkpatrick said. “The sky’s the limit for this team when they are all playing together. We are in an extremely competitive district, so every match will be a battle.”
The Maidens will travel to Greenwood tomorrow.
