The Eagle High varsity volleyball team had an amazing season, with all their hard work earning them fourth place in districts. The team went into State feeling confident and with the belief that they could win. 

This volleyball season brought the team many difficulties. For example, the team got a new coach, Eagle High math teacher, Ashley Holt. While the coach has done a great job with the team and all the girls love her, it was challenging for the team to train for volleyball with a coach they were not used to.  

Not only did the team have to get to know a new coach, but they also had to get to know and work together with many players that were new.  

“We’ve gotten a lot of new players this season since almost all our whole starting lineup last year were seniors,” said junior Ellie Mcmanigal. However, the team has gotten closer over the season, and the varsity girls won sixth place in the Idaho rankings behind Melba High, Centennial High, Owyhee High, Madison High and Skyview High. 

The State Championships this year took place on Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 in the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls. Even though the girls lost in their match up against Centennial High with a score of 3-2, the team still had a lot of fun. 

“We still had a great time despite our loss,” said senior Sage Palfreyman, “We got to bond a lot on the bus rides and hanging out in the hotel.” 

The team had been doing well this season, so losing the State Championship was difficult, especially since they were confident in the fact that they could win. 

“We had been doing so great, I think we just got a little bit too cocky, so when we started losing, it was hard to recover,” Palfreyman said. 

Nonetheless, the team had a great season, and this one loss did not prevent them from having a great time. The team was super hyped up the whole competition and the girls became a lot closer because of the championship. As bonds grow between the girls, they are sure to get better in both play and communication.