With fall sports kicking off, Sam Barlow volleyball has had a fiery start to its season. On September 3rd, Barlow faced their first league game of the season against the Sandy Pioneers. The leading scorers were Ashlynn Blake with a game high of 14 kills with 4 blocks, and sophomore outside hitter Lola Brown with 12 kills and 6 aces. The Sandy Pioneers came out strong, but in the end, Barlow shut them down with a four-set nail-biter to win the game. Barlow volleyball not only thrives off of its players, but also the student-athletes that came before them. That Wednesday night was Alumni night, where members who were a part of the Sam Barlow volleyball team came together and were celebrated. Student athletes from back in 1993—who also won the state championship two years in a row—came to watch and support the sport they love so much.
Players like outside hitter Meredith (Zion) Mahurin, outside hitter Mandy (Decious) Bhear, setter Sue (Eidenberg) Coons, and setter Sara (Reeves) Hills were in attendance at the game. Back in 1992, the girls volleyball team fought in a match against the Central Catholic Rams to win the match in two (15-12, 15-11) to win the state championship. Then, in 1993, they had a 3 set battle against the Rams to repeat their 4A state championship. Returning sophomore Bailey Armstrong says, “It means a lot to see the alumni who once wore the same jerseys as us. It reminded us that our team is a part of a long tradition of hard work, dedication, and pride.”
The volleyball team has had some amazing wins, like beating West Linn at home and sweeping Lake Oswego in two. Even though they fell short against Central Catholic and Nelson, they are working to push back the next time they play them. They play Central Catholic at home on October 1st and Nelson away on October 6th. The 6-2 record so far not only came down to the starters, but also to the perseverance and tenacity that the new varsity members have brought and continue to bring throughout the season. Along with Reagan Austin, who is returning from almost a two-year injury, she contributed 7 kills and a block against Sandy. Her hard work has allowed her to come back for her final season in the volleyball program, and she is already leaving her legacy on and off the court. “This season I’m striving to go all out for every game and have a fun season.” She prides herself on making connections with everyone on the team. “I am very grateful to be back. The drive of being able to play again has motivated me to push and be back on the court.” She also notes that the program has a lot of potential and is continuing to grow throughout the season.
Newcomers in the volleyball program are also leaving their mark this year. Every player has been pushing each other to be the best during practice and in games. JV Head Coach Tai Quirke notes that all three teams in the program swept Sandy. “JV is working on improving every day.” With a lot of new faces in the program, Barlow Volleyball has had a great season so far, and it continues to improve. Throughout JV and JV2, players like freshman Stella Muzzy and Mila Obie have been leaving everything on the court in the front row. Both have a powerful arm and have contributed greatly to their teams. New defensive specialists and liberos entering the program are quick and aggressive. Maya Griffith, Daria Zhuk, Scarlett Larson, and Hayley Lo have been helping their teams to keep the ball off the ground. When asked what people should know about the volleyball program, Quirke responded with, “Games are weekly, and you should show up.” The Bruins play David Douglas on October 22 at 6:30 for senior night.
