This year, the varsity girl’s volleyball team has experienced immense success. Through hard work and a strong team bond, the 2014 varsity squad is expected to achieve great things for themselves and for LT.

“I’ve always wanted the most for this team,” Hannah Juley ‘15 said. “[Volleyball season] is my favorite time of the year, and I love representing LT.”

Juley returned this year after surgery due to a midfoot injury, which kept her out of volleyball throughout her junior season. According to the team, Juley is a natural leader, and her commitment to the University of Wisconsin Madison’s volleyball team has not changed her performance on the LT court.

Despite their nonconference loss to Providence, the girls have worked tirelessly in order to earn a near perfect record. A decisive victory against Hinsdale Central on Oct. 7 made the team 20-1.

“We try to get the most out of the time we have in practice,” Juley said. “We’ve all known each other a long time, so we have a lot of team chemistry.”

The team was tested when it faced its toughest opponent thus far—Lincoln-Way North on Sept. 20.

“[They were] really good all around,” Jessi Skonning ‘15 said. “The consistency of our defense helped us beat them.”

LT lost their first game 15-25, but answered back with a 25-22 win in the second game. With a score of 30-28, the girls defeated Lincoln-Way North in their third game, adding another win to their near perfect record.

“I love working together to win big matches and to overcome challenges,” Cori Hansen ’15 said.

Last year, many members of the team were injured, so the team did not do as well as they are doing this year. Due to many girls’ returns, the team’s expectations for this season are very high, Juley said.

“We need to believe in ourselves. This is going to be a big year for us,” Hansen said. “We need to believe that we can do well if we work hard.”

The team plans on advancing far in the playoffs and hopes to make it to the IHSA State Championship game on Nov. 14 in Normal.

“I definitely think we have a chance [to win state],” Skonning said, “But it will take a lot of hard work.”

Their success can also be attributed to varsity head coach Joann Pyritz, who declined to comment.

“Coach P believes in us,” Hansen said. “She isn’t just okay with playing average, she always wants us to play our best.”

Many of the varsity players, in addition to Juley, plan to play volleyball in college. Hansen recently committed to Brown University and teammate Skonning is committed to Manhattan College.