The pressure is on, hot and heavy, for Aliso Niguel’s girls volleyball team, who are coming back this year as both three-time South Coast League Champions and CIFSS League Champions. Now as the 2022 fall season plays out, the volleyball team must work harder than ever to defend their title and position as reigning champs. 

On Tuesday, Sep. 20, at Aliso Niguel’s home territory, the girls conquered the court yet again. Family and friends filled the stadium bleachers to watch with great anticipation as Aliso’s beloved team overpowered the Tesoro High Titans. With ease, the varsity team pulled out a big win for their first league game of this volleyball season in three sets, with a final set score of 25-11.

When asked about the stakes of the game, junior varsity player Addison Breyman (10) stressed that “there’s a little bit of pressure but as long as we play together as a team, I think we’ll be just fine.” 

This is Addison’s second year playing on the team and her favorite part about volleyball is the other girls she gets to play with. She relishes in getting to share the wins and losses with her fellow teammates, so ultimately in the end she rejoices and celebrates this savory victory with her teammates. 

Adding on to the list of wins, later that week on Sep. 22, the team won another league match against San Clemente. This game is to be considered a significant triumph for the wolverines because prior to the game, San Clemente had been ranked higher than Aliso Niguel and both schools shared the league title last year. But nevertheless, the wolverines remain victorious as the girls volleyball team secured their victory in four sets with a final set score of 25-20.

At the same time however, leading the players into battle, Head Coach Richie Whiting heavily expresses that “as a coach, I don’t believe in looking for one specific win, I try and keep them working on the mini tasks at hand. A lot of things go into winning one point and there’s 25 points per set, so I have them focus on their job at that moment… if everyone does that then the outcome is usually good and it makes everything mentally more manageable.” 

Each small step plays a crucial role in their reign as champs and should not be overlooked. In staying at the top of the game, the girls take time to focus on perfecting the little things at practice. 

This includes everything from their skill level to team work to mental health. ANHS students take pride in the amount of strength and grit their  girls volleyball team harnesses each day. With wolverines packing the den and cheering in support, Aliso Niguel’s girls volleyball team sheds teal blood, sweat, and tears everyday as they compete to win.