The gym erupted with music that fueled the Sierra Linda Bulldogs volleyball team to get them up before their game.  With a 0-3 record, the Bulldogs were  amped to make a statement against the North Canyon Rattlers.

But they left the match with more question marks - and another loss.

 

Both teams battled back and forth Thursday at Tolleson before North Canyon (3-2) won three sets 20-25, 13-25 and 19-25.

“As a coach, I know the girls know what the problem is, but they just don’t fix it sometimes,” said head coach Edith Garcia.  “They’re used to playing a certain way and I’m trying to change that habit.” 

Garcia said setting and serving need work, but her biggest worry is communication. 

 

The lack of communication cost the girls to break several rallies and lose focus.  Garcia noticed this routine with her team and took initiative to help. 

“When something is not going the way it’s suppose to, I notice they look at me,” she said.

Garcia said she asked her girls what signal she can do to remind them to pick their heads up.  Garcia folded her hand to make the “surfs up” signal while shaking her hand explaining that is the signal they use as a team to symbolize “keep a positive attitude.”   

 

Sophomore Guadalupe Chavira helped her team with good serves. 

“As a team we did well on our passes, sets and hits, but we need more communication and focus.”  Chavira had two aces out of the five times she served and the other three serves resulted in points as well.  “Those little things we need to improve on will help the whole team.”

 

The Bulldogs lost their momentum during the second set. “They had good passes and good hits, and once they get a kill they get so hyped and get their momentum going,” said Garcia.  The girls gained their groove back during the third set, but still fell short.

The Bulldogs did not get a win but received plenty of fan support.  “The fans are very important because the girls see that they care and come out to support them,” said Garcia.  The students screaming “Let’s go Bulldogs” at the top of their lungs and stomping their feet even altered the concentration of a few Rattlers.  Soon, the fans of North Canyon began to battle back as their chants bounced off the walls and the entire gym felt like an earthquake.

 

“Having people in the stands cheering for us is a really good thing because when you’re down on yourself you have people there to support you,” said Chavira. “They help out in a way where you can pick yourself back up and boost your confidence again.”

 

Going forward with a 0-4 record, Garcia said her team needs to find a way to work together.  The team will work on mechanics that will help in upcoming games.  “We just have to focus on the things we need to work on and hopefully we’ll get our first win.”

 

Next, the Sierra Linda Bulldogs will hit the road and face the McClintock Chargers Tuesday at 6 p.m.