As the fall season comes to an end, Ayala Girls’ volleyball team reflects on a year marked by significant challenges and accomplishments. Despite finishing with a league record of 2-8 and placing sixth in the Palomares League, the team showed impressive growth and resilience throughout the season.
This year’s roster featured a dedicated group of players, including Riley Ferreira (12), Jordyn Balingit (12), Kaitlyn Min (12), Abigail Domingo (12), Taelor Walker (12), Alyssa Hodges (12), Madison Nguyen (11), Kendall Kroeze (11), Ella Kroeze (11), Bella Hurtado (11), Claire Kalstrom (11), Liliana Acosta (11), Evelyn Farias (10), Ella Galindo (9), and Emma Nunez (9).
Coach Moriah Gordon, the Junior Varsity (JV) coach, expressed her pride in the team’s progression over the season. The team learned to work through hardships together, this evolution a crucial factor to building each other’s trust on the court.
“At the start of summer, all the girls came from a different skill set,” Gordon said. “By the end they were one unit fighting for the same purpose and goal.”
Team captain Abigail Domingo (12) reflected on the team’s development, noting the strong chemistry they built throughout the season. This trust helped form the foundation of their team, vital for navigating the ups and downs of the season.
“As we kept going throughout the season and spending every single day together, we definitely grew and you could tell how much we trusted each other on and off the court,” Domingo said.
The challenges that the team faced were numerous, from balancing tough losses to finding playing time. Junior Madison Nguyen shared her struggles with finding a more significant spot on the team and how she overcame this roadblock. Her determination also resonated within the team.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was getting playing time because I joined the team as a serving sub so I only got one rotation in,” Nguyen said. “I had to work even harder so that I was able to get more playing time.”
The Bulldogs encountered many setbacks but used them as motivation to improve. They brought each other up, showcasing the team’s positive mindset. This approach not only helped them refine their skills, but also strengthened their chemistry as a team.
“We definitely used [setbacks] as motivation to help us grow and get better,” Domingo said.
In addition to bringing each other up during tough losses, the team also looked up to one another for guidance and inspiration. For Madison Nguyen (11), it was team captain Alyssa Hodges that she looked up to most. Nguyen appreciated Hodges’ leadership and support, always ensuring her teammates were confident.
“[Alyssa’s] a setter, so I looked up to her a lot,” Nguyen. “She was always there for me and made sure I was okay when setting.”
Throughout the season, the players learned valuable lessons about sportsmanship and personal growth. These lessons gave them a sense of pride in their efforts, regardless of the outcomes.
“It’s okay to lose as long as you’re giving your hundred percent,” Nguyen said. “It’s like a loss doesn’t even count as a loss.”
The team’s spirit and humor played an important role in their team. Their balance of fun and seriousness created an environment where the players could thrive, whether during practices or even team bonding.
“The thing I’ll miss most about the team is their sense of humor.” Gordon said. “There was never a practice [where] we weren’t laughing throughout, but they also knew when to get focused to complete a task.”
With the season wrapped up, the Bulldogs volleyball team reflected on a year filled with growth, laughter, and lasting friendships. While they faced challenges and didn’t finish at the top, their commitment to improvement and support for one another has laid a strong foundation for the future. Heads held high, they are ready to tackle the next season with determination and grit.
“You have to stay true to who you are as a person.” Domingo said.
