Written By: Alex Mueller, Staff Writer
DETERMINATION: Previously league champions in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2015, Poly’s girls’ volleyball team proves successful yet again, championing our tradition of resiliency and dedication.
In a packed house in Poly’s gym, the drumroll of feet pounded the bleachers with a metallic, excited symphony, as each member of Poly’s girls volleyball team huddled in their positions – waiting to strike. Determined, Poly served with a velocity that stunned the Temescal Canyon Titans and ultimately set the stage for Poly’s domination over Temescal Canyon. Congratulations to Madeline Jimenez (11) for six ace serves and Bianca Clark (11) for four ace serves.
When Temescal Canyon took control of the serve, Poly’s libero and team captain, Kayla Uhlick (12), dominated the court by skillfully receiving aggressive serves and passing the ball to the setters, Bianca Clark (11) and Darby Deniston (12). These setters set up the perfect stage for our powerful hitters, championing their determination to succeed and demonstrating their ferocity on the court. Congratulations to Kayden Croy (11) for nine kills and Madeline Jiminez for six kills. Temescal Canyon remained vigilant and played with a methodical approach, often spiking the ball close to the net – yet, consistently they were no match for Poly’s hardcore blockers. Way to block that ball Lyndsey Brown (12), Darby Deniston (12), and Kate Sullivan (11). Poly ultimately secured victory against a worthy opponent by sweeping all three sets – in the first set 25 to 16 – in the second set 25-17, and in the third set 25-13.
As Poly fans raised the roof with their cheers, Poly’s team stood proudly, ready to face their first CIF opponent in the coming week. Winning league “was our biggest goal this year,” noted Kayla Uhlick (12), punctuating her team’s determination to achieve its goals. Team Captain Kayla Uhlick further reciprocates her team’s willingness “to put in the time and effort” to succeed, emphasizing the integral role of an expectation “to be successful,” rooted within their team’s very mindset. As pivotal as the team’s determination has played in their success this season, the dedication of coach Dana Fulwider, propelled Poly’s Volleyball Team to overcome the obstacles presented due to the COVID pandemic. “Due to Covid,” Fulwider stresses “I was unsure how the team would play together.” Yet, to Fulwider, even though volleyball “season has been tenuous, with girls getting exposed to COVID, having to quarantine” and even “getting injured,” a spirit of resilience held through, boosting the team’s “dedication and hard work.” In other words, Fulwider, guided Poly’s team through the turmoil of this past year, sparked a flame in her players, and they ultimately defied a much larger storm.
Ultimately, Poly’s volleyball team is determined to continue their victorious season and, in the words of Fulwider, only “get better in the Playoffs.” Come support our Girls Volleyball Team as they take on Rim of the World in the first round of CIF playoffs on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 6 pm. in the Poly Gymnasium.