On Oct. 5, the girls’ volleyball team welcomed Irvine High into their gym as they were set to play one of the UHS Games Of the Week. The Vaqueros were undefeated until this point after already sweeping University 3-0 in a matchup on Sept. 26. The girls knew they had a big challenge ahead of them and needed a spark to end their three-game losing streak.
Within the first few minutes of the game, the Trojans faced some challenges as starter, Jesse Niedwick, took a hard fall to the floor diving after a ball. After a pause in the game, as her teammates assisted the injured Trojan off the court, the girls resumed play, but now down a key player.
Triumphantly, the girls overcame this setback, coming out on top for the first set of the game. Although the arena was already filled with energy with the game being the “Pink Out” Game Of the Week, a fire was ignited in the team that carried them throughout the game.
Starting libero, sophomore Naomi Gesk spoke on the differences between the Trojan’s first and second matchups with the Vaqueros.
“The first time we played Irvine, our energy was very low and we all seemed tired and unhappy to be there,” Gesk said. “We were much more excited [the second time around] because so many people were there and pink out is always fun!”
It was apparent to everyone in attendance that the team was emphasizing energy and capitalizing on any mistakes their opposition made to give them momentum. High-fives, low-fives, energetic shoves, hugs and animated screams took over the court for all players as they inched closer and closer to beating the eventual league champions and giving them their first loss of the season.
“It felt amazing to win,” Gesk said “I felt very accomplished and proud of the team because we all played very well and were very supportive as always.”
Although Irvine did take one set in their favor, it was not enough to put a damper on the electric night for the Trojans, who won the game 3-1. Following this matchup, the team will have a two-game long road stretch as they face off against their rival, Woodbridge High, and then conclude their season in a match against Portola High.
