The varsity girls’ volleyball team has been extremely successful this season. The team has a 14-3 overall record and is undefeated in Academy League matches. The season’s highlights have included the team’s ranking as a top five team in Orange County and 3-0 sweep over regional powerhouse Mater Dei. The players swept their rivals St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in similar fashion on Sept. 26, and scored another victory against them Oct. 14.

The team is led by its three senior captains, Maddy Abbott, Halland McKenna and Kekai Whitford, who have all been part of the school’s varsity team since their freshman year.

Last year, the team came one win short of a state finals appearance, losing to Central Valley Christian. The team hopes to build off last year’s experience and reach that goal this year.

“I think it really adds fuel to our fire,” said McKenna. “Knowing that we can do this, we were so close to doing this before. Given our season so far, we have this confidence behind us that will allow us to go that far.”

The team’s success has historically been a great way to drum up school spirit and this year is no exception. The buzz surrounding them has been electric.

“The support system that our team has on this campus is pretty incredible,” remarked Abbott about the fan support throughout her four years. “I think at any given time, one of us can run into someone who was at one of our games, or has supported us throughout, and it’s a really awesome feeling to have people behind you and rallying behind us.”

Whitford agreed, “We all definitely want to make this a season to remember.”

The team has three more Academy League matches against Whitney, Brethren Christian and Crean Lutheran, then closes out the regular season with a big game against Laguna Beach on Nov. 5.

For more information, read “Girls Volleyball: Seniors Ready to Shine” in The Bolt.