Spiking Through the Season: Girls Volleyball at Halftime

  The Aliso Niguel girls volleyball team is determined to turn their season around after a challenging start. Despite a tough 3-0 loss in their season opener against Newport Harbor, the team has shown steady improvement.
  Their hard work started to pay off during a tournament on Aug. 15, where the Wolverines came away with two wins out of three matches showing promising growth heading into the rest of the season.
  Anika Grajek (10) highlighted how much the team’s captains have meant this year, both during games and off the court. “They set the tone during practice and hold players accountable,” she said. It goes beyond just leadership.
  Grajek emphasized that they aren’t just captains, “they’re supportive friends who help bring the team closer together.”
  Their guidance, she added, is what “keeps the team running smoothly,” and plays a big role in the strong bond the players have built throughout the season.
  The girls have officially kicked off their league games and are currently ranked No. 33 in the Southern Section Division 1/2. With a few wins already under their belt, the team is focused on building momentum and continuing to improve each week.
  The Wolverines opened league play with a solid 3-1 win over Beckman. They came out strong in the first set and kept that same energy throughout the match. After dropping the second set, they cleaned up their defense and took back control, eventually closing out the match with a win to start league on a high note.
  Next up was a tough 3-0 loss to San Juan Hills, but the girls bounced back in their match against rival school Dana Hills. The energy was high on both sides, but Aliso played smart. They took the lead early and kept the pressure on Dana, communicating well and limiting mistakes. Dana tried to push back, but the Wolverines stayed focused and came away with a 3-1 win.
  The momentum didn’t fully carry over into their next match, where they faced Trabuco Hills and came up short in a 3-0 loss. Despite some solid plays and long rallies, it was a tough game, but the team remains focused on learning from each match and continuing to improve as league play continues.
  The girls volleyball team has a strong history of success, winning league titles from 2019 to 2022. They also brought home CIF championships in 2014 and 2021. With that legacy in mind, the team is working hard this season on and off the court as they aim to bounce back and bring home more titles in 2025.