A promising women’s volleyball season came to a close in the first round of the CCCAA Regional Playoffs. Though a perennial postseason team, the Bear Cubs were defeated in a three-set match against Foothill College Nov 26. Though their season ended a bit sooner than they had hoped, there is a bright future ahead of the team for years to come.

The girls attributed much of their success this season, especially in the early goings, to their team chemistry. “In the summer, we had already bonded so we were all really close, and in the very beginning of the season we were a very young team, as a majority of us were freshmen,” said libro defensive specialist Bryce Gevas. “The team chemistry helped us because we were so young; it helped us trust each other.”

From the onset of the season, the Bear Cubs looked like they were on track to meet, and even outdo their preseason goals, which included a return to the postseason, and a few others.

“We started off with a goal to make it to the playoffs,” said libro defensive specialist Becca Steiner. “We also had the goal of remaining consistent over the course of the season, and progressing rather than being on a roller coaster and going up and down.”

The first 10 games of the season came on the road, and the Bear Cubs played exceptionally. Despite the unusual schedule and tough opponents, they persevered, earning an 8-3 record heading into their first home game.

As the season progressed, and the trust grew stronger, the consistency that the coaches and players were looking for continued to grow. The Bear Cubs had two different four-game win streaks and another of three games over the course of the season.

Of their 14 wins this season, they were convincing, as only three of the matches lasted all five possible sets.

Steiner and her teammates noted that accomplishing their goal of increasing consistency also helped propel the team to success.

Setter Emily Bonfigli said, “at the beginning of the season we kind of wavered at times and would play well, and then be off for a few points, but near the end we really remained consistent throughout the match.”

The Bear Cubs were a very young team this year, which gives them even more to look forward to next year. With eight returning players, and the chemistry paired with this year’s improvements, next season should be an exciting one.

“I’m really expecting big things from us,” Bonfigli said. “I think the rest of the league is probably expecting that from us, too. I’m really excited to go to work in the offseason, and turn it up again next fall.”

For a more in-depth version and video footage of this season’s recap interviews be sure to check out theoakleafnews.com.