Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Natalie Weber
Writer Intern
The Fallbrook High School varsity girls' volleyball team celebrated Military Appreciation Night before they took on Escondido High School Oct. 4.
The girls sported shirts advertising a branch of the military during warm-ups, and a pre-game ceremony was held to commemorate all of those who had served their country. Those in attendance that evening who had served – which included two members of the volleyball coaching staff – were asked to rise when their branch's song was played so the players and other fans could show their appreciation.
The ceremony was also marked by a flag salute led by the high school's own JROTC color guard and a rendition of the national anthem sung by varsity team co-captain Emma Christopherson.
The Lady Warriors took the court following the Military Appreciation festivities and defeated Escondido in a four-game match that ended in a 3-1 Fallbrook victory. The win, which boosted Fallbrook's league record to 3-0, was especially pleasing for the girls as they were able to honor the military with their performance.
Already off to a strong start in league, the team agreed that their play Wednesday was some of the best they'd exhibited and that more good was yet to come. As third-year varsity libero Madison McCarty phrased it, "Wednesday's performance showed that we can work as a team to get the win. If we keep trusting each other and helping each other out we will be unstoppable."
Looking ahead to the rest of the season, the team's focus is to build on their strengths. As first-year setter Gabby Vazzana said, "The girls on our team are pretty experienced...and we are all good at identifying our mistakes and taking ownership."
Varsity co-captain and outside hitter Christopherson added, "We have such athletic and talented girls with such a passion for the game...I think it's just important to stay calm in critical moments."
The rest of the team shares McCarty's optimism about the remainder of season.
"I think this year we can no doubt win league, but I think it's important we have fun doing it – that we play because we love the sport and just enjoy being part of a team," said Christopherson. "I am proud to be a Lady Warrior this year."
Reader Comments(0)