The Jets girls’ volleyball squad started off the season with a friendly game at home against DMHS (Daegu Middle High School) on Sept. 12. Despite only three weeks of practice, the team fought hard against their formidable opponents. Junior varsity beat DMHS 2:1 while varsity suffered a total defeat. JV’s victory marked the first-ever girls’ triumph against the Warriors. The night started off with the JV game. Starters Dana Lee (3), Apple Jun (7), Nayoung Kim (14), Belle Kim (30), Sophie Lee (13) and Elena Lee (19) won the first set after a deuce: 23:21. 

JV captain Dana Lee (3) said, “It was really a close game and we were really nervous since it was our first time. So we were really nervous and during the game we were not communicating but we won the game at the set so we were really excited.”  

However, after the lineup switched, they faced difficulties with adjustments and lost 16:21. JV setter Agnew Kim (25) said, “I was pretty sad but we couldn’t let our teammates down. So Dana and Nayoung, our team captains, tried to calm us down and get us ready for the next set.”

In the final set, they seized an unprecedented victory against DMHS with a score of 16:14. Although they consisted of a few seniors, some freshman stars took the spotlight.

The future of girls’ volleyball looks promising for the Jets. In crucial moments, the rookies stepped up and called the shots. Despite it being their first high school game, the freshmen shone the brightest, especially Agnew Kim (25). She closed the match and overpowered the opponent with her crushing serves.

Kim said, “I was very nervous if I could get it over or not. Since that determines if we win or lose and I heard everybody cheering like our whole school, our teammates, teachers and that’s why I think I succeeded on my last serve.”

Next up, varsity started Leewen Wang (9), Lily Lee (4), Minori Kojima (9), Bonnie Kim (18), Ellen Cho (0), Victoria Kang (23) and Sally Lee (21). The Jets fought back, but a combination of serve misses and receive mistakes resulted in a 14:25 loss. 

Varsity middle blocker Bonnie Kim (18) said, “I personally think during the practices, there were many good things that we did. But because we just came with our official team that we played yesterday, it was really hard to put it all together.” 

Nevertheless, they lost the subsequent sets 16:25 and 18:25. Varsity right side Victoria Kang (23) said, “I cried because I didn’t play very well in the first set. But I’m also upset about the last moment where I was serving and I had a few service aces. But I missed the last one. And it was 24 points for DMHS and their set. And that was really depressing for me.” 

The game provided a valuable experience for both teams. “I think the best players were the captain [Minori Kojima] and the girl with the good serve [Victoria Kang]. Overall, I really enjoyed playing against DIS and I look forward to playing again,” DMHS varsity captain Jaylyn Abaya said.

The team will battle DMHS once again on Oct. 7 at Camp Walker. “Over the next few weeks, we will work together to be aggressive and to be a super cohesive group. I think that we can beat that team [DMHS] for sure. I think that for KISAC and SKAIS we are going to be really competitive. And I’m hopeful that the girls feel the same way,” said coach Jolly.

Gallery • 9 Photos

Apple Jun

Sophomores Sophie Lee, Reina Li, Belle Kim, and Lucy Lim erupt with excitement as the Jets clinch the point after an intense rally. The crowd's thunderous cheers mirror the team's energy, propelling them into the next play.