As the Lady Dons Beach Volleyball team prepares to take the trophy in the C.I.F Open Division Finals, many teammates are ready for the challenge that awaits. All the hard work will go into winning their fifth consecutive championship in the Open Division. Let’s dive into the girls’ intense season and how they will be ready to compete on Saturday, May 9th.

Senior Ava Hanna ‘26 has been on the team for 4 consecutive years and has played a huge role in the team’s success. “I’ve played in CIF every year and loved being able to help the team win,” Ava states. Ava went undefeated her junior year without ever losing a game. She has been committed to the team and loves the constant support and bonding that the girls have.

Beach volleyball is not like indoor volleyball, it requires strategy and strong partners to win. Ava says, “We’ve been working on what works best for each pair.

My partner Kai Welch and I play best when we go in with a clear plan, like isolating a specific player.” Ava and Kai Welch ‘27 have been partners for 3 years as they have a bond like no other.

Many nerves can come on game day. Sophomore Ana Laverty states that, “ We are trying to follow what the coaches tell us and follow the strategic and strict plans to win.” With Head Coach Juliana Evens and assistant Chris Law’s smart playing tactics, the girls feel confident in themselves. “Everyone has an important role on the team and we all have to work together to play our best”. The girls are getting ready to play against the best of the best and hope to be the last team standing.

With being the number 1 seed overall, Jojo Wilson ‘27 and Lauren Hanson ‘26 have a big responsibility in leading the team. Jojo states, “For me, leadership means staying consistent, setting the tone with my energy and effort, and keeping everyone focused one match at a time.” Jojo has loved every moment on the team with being with some of her best friends. “I’ve also built some of the best relationships through it, which makes the experience even more meaningful.”

As the girls won their game on Tuesday, they plan to take on the winner of Torrey Pines vs. Point Loma on Saturday at Mesa College. This intense battle will hopefully lead the Lady Dons to their fifth CIF Open victory. With the help of everyone on the team, the girls can win and take home the Open Division title.