Valley Vikings volleyball uses it's chemistry to start season 2-0

Communication and chemistry.

On the court, Valley's volleyball players do plenty of talking. That might just be part of the formula that gets statewide observers talking about Vikings volleyball again.

Valley improved on a perfect start to the season, sweeping Strasburg 3-0 in a Class 3A Patriot League match on Thursday in Gilcrest.

The Vikings came from behind late to win the first game, 25-22, but controlled the last two games 25-19 and 25-21.

After opening on the road with a 3-0 sweep against Holy Family last Thursday, Valley junior outside hitter Sierra Bennett said playing in front of their home crowd for the first time this season provided her team with plenty of motivation.

"I think the crowd helped out a lot," Bennett said. "We were all very excited to be here and play."

The Vikings (1-0, 2-0) were led by their duo of experienced juniors, Bennett and setter Savannah Garcia.

Bennett had a team-high 10 kills to go along with eight digs and two aces. Garcia ran the offense with 22 assists to go along with two kills and seven digs.

The Vikings have been anchored by their steady defense. Defense, along with strong team chemistry for a team that doesn't have much experience playing together, has provided Valley a foundation as it incorporates a slew of new varsity players.

"We played really good defense. That's what we're known for," Garcia said of Thursday's win. "We supported each other, and we're clicking very well."

The Vikings' chemistry was evident by the constant dialogue between players on offense and defense.

Vikings coach Rene Aafedt said it all originates from Bennett, Garcia and libero Whitney Smith, another vocal junior with a little more varsity experience then the rest of the pack.

After Valley nearly dropped the first game, the trio's leadership showed in the final games.

"Second game, Savannah, Whitney and Sierra were just talking and motivating the rest of the team, encouraging them and just being positive," Aafedt said.

Less experienced than in years past, Valley has yet to make an appearance on the Rocky Mountain News' 3A top 10, a list on which the Vikings have regularly been featured in past seasons.

Without a single senior on the team, Aafedt is relying on her corps of juniors to provide leadership to their inexperienced teammates.

Those teammates may lack varsity experience, but they're wasting no time getting their feet wet.

Freshman Megan Garcia, younger sister of Savannah, has cracked the Vikings starting lineup. Through two matches, Megan has made a significant impact for Valley.

On Thursday, she was second on the team in kills with nine to go along with four assists and two blocks, tying with Reanna Hodgin for the team lead in that category.

Megan said the leap from middle school volleyball to the faster-paced high school level is a significant one. Still, she's tried not to let her inexperience hold her back as she plays a significant role for a Vikings program that has been a year-in, year-out contender at the 3A level.

Megan said she was nervous for the start of the season but has quickly settled in.

"After the first match, It was normal after that," she said.

Valley 3, Strasburg 0

SHS 22 19 21

VHS 25 25 25

VHS -- Kills: Sierra Bennett 10, Megan Garcia 9. Aces: Taylor Huntington 4, Bennett 2, Sarah Kawata 2, Jessica Piper 2. Assists: S. Garcia 22, M. Garcia 4. Blocks: M. Garcia 2, Reanna Hodgin 2, Huntington, Kawata. Digs: Bennett 8, Stephi Matsushima 9, S. Garcia 7.

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