The Varsity Girls Volleyball team takes on its rival Torrey Pines High School in the first match of the season today at 5:15 p.m. in the Claver Center.

This year’s battle between Cathedral Catholic High School and Torrey Pines High School renews an age old rivalry.

“In the pre-season scrimmage, our team did things right,” Head Coach Ms. Juliana Evens said. “We have a powerful team, and the girls have a lot of energy they want to show off. [The game] will be fun especially since we’re playing on our home court.”

This season is Ms. Evens’ first year coaching at CCHS; however, she knows many girls from club teams, and she has been watching CCHS teams for years.

“We just want to make sure we get the girls to play at their best level,” Ms. Evens said. “We’re trying to bring out the best from a new team with a new coach to keep the momentum and energy going. We’re also trying to get that gym filled up for the Torrey Pines game this year. The support from the crowd is going to be huge.”

The girls have been preparing for this game for weeks, focusing on a specific skill every practice to build up finesse and control. With the unusual mix of grade levels on the Varsity team, the girls have been working hard to stick together as one unit, especially with a new coach and players.

“We’ve been working really hard for the past couple of weeks, getting into our groove and working together as a team,” junior Brennan Wilhite, third-year Varsity player said. “It’s really cool to be apart of a team like this. We are all already our biggest supporters, and we are looking forward for this season and the big Torrey Pines game. It will be challenging, but we are ready to put in our full effort from practice onto the court.”  

Since the girls are striving to go to CIFs and even State Championships, the Torrey Pines game is just what they want to kick off the great season. Even with the mix of classes, the team is working at its full potential.

“We have awesome talent and a very athletic, well-rounded team, so I think the wins are going to come,” Ms. Evens said. “We are just planning on taking it one game at a time, starting with Torrey Pines.”

The game will be a blackout, and the team asks for everyone to come in his or her finest black apparel. Students are encouraged to visit @ElCidSports on Twitter for updates on the game and the team throughout the season.