Delta women’s volleyball team are ranked No. 2 in the state of California as of Oct. 11 2022.
The volleyball team has an overall record of 17-2 and a record of 9-0 in the Big 8 play as of Oct. 14 2022.
“I think it doesn’t really feel like it’s real because last year, we were kind of mediocre and of course we wanted to do good, but it’s just that we weren’t great, but we weren’t bad,” said Ellie Crowell, sophomore setter and co-captain. “And, I think that this year, it’s crazy to hear that we are ranked so high.”
The players’ motivation this season revolves around playing for each other and being excited for each other on their successes.
“I feel like our motivation is honestly playing for each other,” said Emma Miller, sophomore outside hitter and co-captain. “I feel like we get really excited when everyone else has success. It’s not really a personal thing. It’s just that we wanna play for each other.”
During volleyball practice, the players coach and support each other throughout their sessions. Whether it’s calling out how many times they hit the ball to each other or serving the ball to each other, the main quality that the players show throughout their practice is cohesiveness.
“I think we are all like sisters this year since our team is so small, there’s no drama and problems,” said Crowell. “We’re all there for each other and we are a lot closer than last year.”
As for the team’s goals this season, the players and coaches are focused on playing one match at a time and winning the Big 8 conference is definitely a goal for the team as well.
“We’re really focused on playing one match at a time and right now, we’re first place in the Big 8 conference and we are hoping that we can sustain that,” said head coach Molly Hummel. “So, winning the conference is definitely a goal for us.”
On Sept. 23 2022, the Mustangs defeated Folsom Lake College 3-0, which gave Hummel her 200th win of her career.
“I feel grateful for all the players that have come through this program and it just speaks volumes about the program that we have had here for many years,” said Hummel. “We have had a lot of success. So, I’m grateful for all of those players who have contributed to each and one of those wins.”
In addition to the volleyball team’s accomplishments, sophomore outside hitter and co-captain Savannah LeBarre was one of three players who won 2022 CCCWVCA state player of the week for week 7. She stated that her teammates are the reason why she won this award.
“My teammates helped me achieve winning state player of the week,” said LeBarre. “Without my teammates, I wouldn’t have been able to win this award. I’m thankful for winning state player of the week.”
The Mustangs have been on a seven game winning streak as of Oct. 14 2022, winning their most recent game against Santa Rosa College. The team will continue on with their schedule by playing an away game against Folsom Lake College on Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.
