The Saxon Scope’s very own Cayhan Movaghari got the opportunity to interview Girls Head Volleyball Coach, Susan Shifflett, in regards to her teams amazing success thus far. The girls are on a hot streak and are coming off an extremely impressive tournament title at the Richmond Showcase which displayed the talents of the best teams in the state.
CM: For the girls, what has been their biggest driving force in accumulating all these early season wins?
SS: The biggest thing for us has been the leadership displayed by Senior Alex Andrejev. Her dedication and overall skill is hands down our key to success, not to mention the consistency she brings to the court day in and day out. I’ll be the first to say she is the best setter in the state.
CM: With the departure of former player Jenna Dean who always knew how to bring the best out in the girls, how did your team respond to the loss of such a crucial element?
SS: Jenna was a huge part of the team in years past and has always been a staple in our mental and emotional state as a team, but what we lost in emotional support, we made up for with a tremendous amount of acquired experience.
CM: I understand you guys are coming off an enormous victory in the Richmond Showcase which is home to many of the best teams in the state, reflecting on that tournament, how do you see langley compared to the rest of the state?
SS: We have finally proven ourselves to not just everyone else in the state, but to our team as a whole. We know we can not only play with the best, but we can beat them too. Beating Volleyball powerhouses like Ocean Lakes and Cox in straight sets just about says it all.
CM: With 14 wins on your resume already what game emotionally meant the most so far?
SS: Our comeback against McLean was a huge step for our girls. We knew physically that we had the talent to beat anyone, but the emotional factor plays such a large part in volleyball, especially against a rival like McLean who played a great game.
CM: The team has a lot of senior leadership but what underclassmen have stood out the most?
SS: The play of Junior Rachel Andrejev and Sophomore Jess Donaldson has played such a large impact on our team that their play ultimately decides the outcomes of our matches. When they play as well as I know they can, they are the best duo of outside hitters in the region.
CM: In closing, what game has the most value remaining on the schedule?
SS: Although all games are important and every win counts, the most crucial game coming up would be a home game versus the Madison Warhawks on October 16th. The game has huge implications on the conference playoffs, not to mention it’s a matchup of two top five teams according to the Washington Post. A loud and proud student section would be a huge boost for our girls.
There you have it Langley, the 14-2 Lady Saxons have a critical matchup at home on Wednesday October 16th versus The Madison Warhawks and it’s our duty as students to support our girls! Varsity starts at 7PM and a LARGE CROWD IS NEEDED, I know I will be there.