By Lizzy Wakeham & Natalie Thomas
Fentonian
Fenton HS
1st Place Division 3, Yearbook Verbal
Sports Reporting
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Solid lead that draws reader into story
- Meaningful student quotes that enrich story and reflect effective interviewing
- Evidence of adequate research
- Story gives reader a clear picture of season highlights and outcome with relevant player comments
- Adheres to rules of good journalism including: short paragraphs, effective transitions and use of active voice, freedom from editorial comment, careful editing and proofreading to eliminate mechanical errors, correct use of grammar
There were more than 75 points possible in a volleyball match, but the average point difference between a win and a loss during a close game could be as few as three points.
Those three points could be attrinuted to something as simple as a missed serve. For the varsity volleyball team, it meant there was no point in the game they could let up against their opponent. Every play, of every point, of every set, of every match was important.
For junior Anna Weigle, it meant changing the way she approached a game.
“After a tough game against Flushing, our coach sat us down to talk about what we needed to do to reach our fullest potential,” Weigle said. “He told us that every point mattered; whether we were winning the game by two or losing by 20, we could never stop playing. We were challenged to keep a positive mentality regardless of the score.”
This new mentality helped underclassman sophomore Sydney Sahr expand her game each practice.
“As a sophomore, I had never played at the speed of a varsity game,” Sahr said. “It was a hard adjustment, but what really helped me overcome it was the new mentality our coach gave us. I first changed how I practiced; I made sure to take every drill seriously. I knew that if I worked hard in practice it would eventually show in games.”
Finishing the season 34-13-1, the varsity volleyball team walked away from the court with not only a winning record but a better understanding of the tactical side of the game.