For the second year straight, Encinal’s varsity women’s volleyball made a deep run during the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs. They placed third in NCS and even earned a spot in California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for the second year in a row.
“I feel like overall our postseason was great,” captain and junior Kai Gordon said. “As a team, we worked hard, and worked really well together. When we won, we celebrated with one another, and when we lost we supported each other. The team felt very connected and caring, which I think helped with our chemistry on the court.”
The Jets had a rough start to the season finishing with a 12-18 overall record, (0-10) in league. However, Encinal’s strength of schedule allowed them to qualify for NCS. The girls, who have a history of performing well in the playoffs, won the first two NCS games against Alhambra (3-0) and Redwood Christian (3-2).
Freshman Maika Buyanjargal came through with a game winning ace against Redwood Christian on Nov. 1.
When asked about making this play at a critical moment, Buyanjargal said: “It surprised me a lot because all I was thinking about was trying to get it in. I didn’t expect an ace that would end the game. But I am very happy.”
Their last NCS game took place on Nov. 5, narrowly losing to Gateway, 3-2, which ended their quest to compete in the NCS championship. Encinal had won the first two sets, the first 25-9, the second 25-20. However, Gateway made a strong comeback, winning the next three sets narrowly.
“We were really disappointed because we knew we were up and we could’ve done it,” said sophomore Jimena Cerna. “But even though we lost, it just makes us more motivated to win on Saturday.”
Junior Ninjin Bayasgalan, who was asked the same question, expressed disappointment in the loss as well.
“I mean it’s a bummer really,” Bayasgalan said, “because we had such high hopes and we had all expected to win that game which we didn’t. But it eventually all gets the best of us.”
After the game against Gateway, Encinal played against Roseland University Prep, winning 3-0 and earning them a spot in CIF.
“I’m proud that we persevered after losing a game in NCS,” said sophomore Emily Tran. “And then won the game after that, enabling us to play in CIF.”
However, their CIF game against Hillmar, ended in a 3-0 loss, officially concluding their season.
Captains Emiko Takemoto and Kai Gordon talked about positive reinforcement and getting out of team or personal slumps.
“I think one of the most important things that me and Emiko do to help the team is positive reinforcement,” Gordon said. “That really helps people lock back into playing motivated and whole heartedly, and not playing in a way that is self serving.”
Not only is Emiko the varsity volleyball captain, she was also a strong asset to the volleyball team, this being her fourth and final year on the team.
“It meant a lot because I could really see how far I had come as a player and how far the team has come,” said Takemoto. “And it meant a lot to like go really far with all of my teammates.”
Throughout the ups and downs of the season, the girls ended their season with good vibes and plenty of memories. The Jets finished their season positively, making their school community proud and looking forward to next season.
