Volleyball off to a successful start

Jupiter High’s Lady Warrior volleyball team intends to make it to states again this season with help from their undeniable team chemistry. They entered the season undefeated with victories over South Fork High School (3-0), Palm Beach Lakes High School (3-0), Seminole Ridge High School (3-0) and Cardinal Newman High school (3-0).

“We are going to try our hardest to make it to states this year because of our team chemistry…we don’t have anyone that’s going to bring down our mojo,” said two-year varsity player Katherine Carter.

This connection gives the players an advantage both on and off the court. During games, they are able to anticipate each other’s moves and read each other’s body language to score points. During practices, they are able to learn each other’s mechanics, for example speed, footwork and attitude.

“Our team chemistry brings us all together; we all have a passion for the game…we are all really close, and we really want a good outcome for each other,” said four-year varsity player Sarah Rick.

If they can sustain their winning streak and continue to dominate the competition, they will definitely make it all the way to states at the University of Central Florida in Nov.

This season, the Lady Warriors have some tough competition. They will compete against Palm Beach Gardens High School on Sep. 28 and against Boca Raton High School in the playoffs. But if their team chemistry holds, they’ll be able to overcome any obstacle. The Lady Warriors planned to compete against Jensen Beach High School on Sep. 7, but because of Hurricane Irma, the game was cancelled. Jupiter’s head Coach Blaine Betz and Jensen Beach Coach Tim Caffey are working to reschedule the game.

Brett Sikora, a former assistant coach for the Lady Warriors, left the program at the beginning of the school year to be head coach at Boca Raton High School. Although the team was shocked at his departure, Coach JM replaced him. With a new coach, the girls have the ability to learn new skills that will accompany the acquired knowledge from Coach Sikora.

“We were all really shocked when we found out Brett was leaving…we don’t play Boca until playoffs…our new coach knows a lot about volleyball, so I think we will be fine,” said Rick.