Positive Communication On Court Creates Great Team Chemistry

October 5, 2007

Girls volleyball team discusses game tactics

Girls volleyball is charging ahead this year. The key to their success? Teamwork and communication. Both are critical for this team, which lost four experienced players from last year, out of team of only 13.

Kate, varsity co-captain and a four-year team member, believes that integrating new players has helped the team's spirit. "We lost some of our strongest players, but the new ones are fitting in really well, both on and off the court. Two of them are in the starting lineup." Willa, one of the new players and a senior, agrees. "The biggest surprise to me was the great game-time chemistry. I've been on teams with better players, but we've all played for ourselves instead of for the team. My impression of the Exeter team is that it's more relaxed and fun than other volleyball teams I have played for."

Coach Scott Saltman sees the teamwork paying off in performance: "We're more fluid on the court and move better than in the past few years." He attributes better communication on court to the vocal play of newcomers Willa and Talia, an upper, as well as returning varsity player, Ariana. "We're very good defensively," he adds. "We have good blocking and very capable passers." Kate agrees. "We have a really effective defense, with very good defensive players. Communication on the court seems better than last year."

Exeter plays in the A division of the New England Prep School Fall Girls Volleyball league (NEPSFGVA). According to Saltman, Andover and Hotchkiss look to be the teams to beat. It's clear from Exeter's tough game on September 22 against Hotchkiss that Exeter is nipping at the heels of the top teams. Saltman notes that the Hotchkiss game was a "very close match. We certainly have the potential to beat them."

So far this season, Exeter dominated Cushing in its home opener, winning all three games by solid margins. Against Northfield Mount Hermon, Exeter got its serve receive going, and dominated offensively and defensively.

Hotchkiss proved to be too much for Exeter, with its excellent blocking and varied attack. Nonetheless, Exeter played a hard-fought match, and had some notable success on the court. Kate led the day with six kills. Talia posted four blocks and Olivia, an upper, tallied an amazing eighteen digs, anticipating the hitters and covering huge expanses of the court. Against Choate, Exeter played hard, losing the match 2 to 3 in the final game. Ultimately, Choate prevailed; but the Exeter girls walked off the court with their heads held high.

Looking ahead, the volleyball team is optimistic about making the NEPSFGVA post-season tournament. Andover, Hotchkiss and Choate will be tough to beat, but are within reach. Co-captain Kate compares this team favorably with past Exeter teams she has been on. "I think this is the strongest team we've had yet." Stay tuned for the remainder of the season to see if the team plays up to its potential.

Teamwork on other teams is leading to early-season success as well. Check out the boys water polo team and girls JV soccer team.

Interested in learning more?

Read about the girls varsity volleyball team...

Learn more about Exeter's athletics...

See a list of upcoming games ...