Captain Jurnee Farrell sets the bar high for the upcoming season. photo by Annie McAninch
TJ volleyball prepares for their first home game against ThunderRidge.
After a long wait, Thomas Jefferson volleyball is finally back. The Lady Spartans have been working hard all summer and are ready for the first game back in the TJ gym. The team will be taking on the Grizzlies of Thunderridge High School on Wednesday September 9th, at 6:30 p.m.
After a tough loss to Valor Christian in the playoffs last year, the Lady Spartans are approaching this season with a new mindset. “We were really disappointed with the loss last year,” said senior and team captain Jordan Graham. “This year, we are going to take every team seriously and aren’t going to underestimate anyone because every team is a challenge.” Despite finishing the season at an impressive 17-7 record last year, the girls strive be better. “We are going to use last year as a learning experience. We want to win state,” explained Graham.
This year’s squad is relatively new compared to last year’s. With eight new players on board, the youngsters include JaNaya Hudley, Jaden Sandoval, Siale Sandoval, Avery Hericks, Macey Murray, Gracey Jarecke, Lauren Pate, and Vasi Reiva. “I’ve been impressed,” Graham continues. “It’s always difficult when you have a lot of new players coming in, but they’ve all done a terrific job adjusting to the new level.” On the more experienced side, Jurnee Farrell, Annie McAninch, Paula Mortel, and Jordan Pounds will all join Graham for another season.
The ladies are already off to a great start, as they won the first game of the season at Standley Lake by a score of 3-0. “We communicated well and played really great together,” fellow team captain Farrell commented. “We connected as team and that is good to see considering how early it is in the season.”
The ThunderRidge Grizzlies, known for having one of the better volleyball programs in Colorado, will have to travel to TJ to take on a tough opponent on their home court. TJ is always a difficult place for opponents to play because of its passionate student section. For years, volleyball has been one of the most popular sports. “I’m really excited,” said senior Nathan Waterhouse. “Volleyball games are my favorite ones to go to. The crowd goes wild for every point. We have a good team this year and I am extremely optimistic.” Not only are the games fun for the students, but the players enjoy them just as much. Farrell said, “I love playing at TJ. The students bring so much energy into the gym with all the cheers which always gets the adrenaline pumping.” The game will be a blackout spirit event for the student section. Spartans should wear black and come watch their Lady Spartans get their second win of the season.
