The girls volleyball team ended a successful season as Red Division champions with a disappointing loss to top-ranked Sherwood last week in the Maryland 4A West Region. The Warriors found themselves easily defeating the visiting second ranked Wildcats in straight sets 5-25, 11-25, 11-25.
“We just came out flat,” said coach Bill Morris. “And Sherwood came ready to play.”
After ending the season 12-2, the team was looking to make noise in a tough 4A West Region, led by underclassmen stars Kristen Larrick, Stephanie Paul and Ivana Stojisavljevic. The team breezed through the second round following a first round bye against tenth-ranked Northwest 25-19, 25-13, 25-13. Their convincing victory set up a date with fellow powerhouse and third seed Gaithersburg.
Looking for revenge against the Trojans after last year’s straight set season-ending loss, the Wildcats proved what they had been working so hard for during the season. In a thrilling three set match the team claimed their way to the regional finals 25-21, 26-24, 25-23.
Another satisfying win for the ‘Cats brought them to the big stage in the form of the regional championship against top-ranked Sherwood. With the winner qualifying for an automatic bid to the state tournament, there was much excitement and hype surrounding the game. Sherwood (22-1) had been grabbing most of the attention in the county as it continued its dominating season, but WJ was hoping to play the role of spoiler and prove where they belonged.
“I think that this year in playoffs we showed what our team can really do and our full potential all the way up until the Sherwood game,” said senior co-captain Jennie Zelenko.
Yet, despite a Red Division title and a strong showing early in the playoffs, Sherwood was no match against the ‘Cats and their magical season came to a screeching halt.
Finishing the season at 15-6, however, the team will return several upperclassmen and will look to finish what they had started this season.
“I’m really proud of all the girls this year and I know that the 10 returning players will be amazing next year,” said Zelenko.
