The Lincoln Log

The tension in the air is strong as Lowell and Lincoln are 15-14, one point left to decide the game’s fate. Lowell serves, and the game proceeds with high intensity. Lincoln High’s varsity volleyball team has been 11-1 this season.

The varsity volleyball team is made up of fifteen players with two freshmen, three sophomores, five juniors, and five seniors. The head coach for the varsity team is Charles Chan and the assistant coach is Vince Tang. They are currently at the top of the league and have only lost to Lowell High School in season games.

There were summer practices for all of the girls that were interested in joining the varsity team. Before the girls started to compete with other high schools, they played pre-season games.

Photo by Colleen Ma

The pre-season was used to train the team so that they would get even better before they played league games. Basically, their practices in the pre-season were the same as their practices in the actual season. Their practices consisted of warm ups, hitting line, setting, and the “Dan drill.” The “Dan Drill” is where you play three on three, and if you make a mistake you’re out and the next person is in. To end practices they play a mini game of six on six. They have played teams from the East bay as well as from private schools that did not count for standings.

“It broke my heart to cut so many talented and amazing girls,” said Coach Chan.

The varsity team can only have a limited amount of team members because a larger team would take away a player’s time in a game.

The team’s academics are important, and even with the intensity of everyday two-hour practices, they all manage to hold steady grade point averages.

As crucial as volleyball practice can get, Chan says, “It allows the players to be able to know how to balance their schedules with everyday life, and it [helps to] enhance the rest of their day.”

As hard as it gets, the team still perseveres.

“From the beginning we knew we were really good. It’s just if we can work harder and put more focus [into] it, then we have a good chance of beating [both] Lowell and Balboa.” said sophomore Jacalyn Ho, a varsity player.

The team did make it to the championships, and before the game, everyone was pumped.

“Hopefully, we will beat Lowell because it’s been fifteen years since Lincoln has won the championships and I hope our mentality is there.” said junior Tiffany Kan.

The varsity volleyball team has already achieved so much this season, and this year’s captains, seniors Jessica Lui and Christine Ng, may have a lot to do with it.

“During games, when the team is down, the co-captains are the ones who raise our spirits and help pull the team through.” said Kan.

Lincoln’s varsity volleyball team recently lost the championships to Lowell High School in an extremely close match. The two teams were equally matched in skill and endurance, but in the end, one point determined the fate of the team.

Some of the most outstanding players of the night were senior Christine Ng and freshman Kelly Sung. Everyone on the team put their best on the court, and though they did not win the championships,they have proven that they can make the top.

With so much going for them, who knows what can possibly keep them from winning first next year.