Many reasons could postpone a high school volleyball game. Officials could be late, buses could be stuck in traffic, or there could be issues with the venue.
Or, in the case of last year’s Belmont girls’ volleyball team, you have too many seniors.
Their Oct. 18 matchup against Wilmington was postponed by almost half an hour as the Marauders celebrated their senior night, and said goodbye to 10 graduating players.
“Last year’s team was something special,” Coach Raylynn Kaulia said. “We’re gonna really miss them.”
Their departure leaves massive holes across the roster. Three-year starter Sophia Qin leaves as the program’s all-time assist leader, and middle Sadie Boas and outside hitter Erin Dailey will also be missed. The Marauders’ defense takes an equally hard hit, with liberos June Perez and Zulal Merdinian both graduating, a defensive duo which Kaulia called, “the best in the league”
“Losing all of these amazing players is going to be a real test for the program,” Senior captain LeeLee Kozelian said. “But it also is going to give our younger classes a lot of experience.”
There are only seven upperclassmen on this year’s roster, including four who have never played at the varsity level. The sophomore class is Belmont’s biggest, with six players. They also have their largest incoming freshman class in four years, with 32 players trying out. Senior captain Katia Polina attributes that to a strong offseason and the development of youth programs, like Belmont Youth Volleyball.
“We’ve seen really good attendance at our captains’ practices.” Polina said, “And with our youth programs, we’re getting younger players more interested in playing the sport.”
Despite the heavy losses, the Marauders’ offense will remain strong. Kozelian, Polina, and junior captain Danbi Kim were starters last year, and provided Belmont with the majority of their hitting. Sophomore Emma Miao will be expected to replace Dailey in the lineup.
“[Miao]’s been ready to be a starter since she was in eighth grade,” Kim said. “She’s gonna have a great season.”
Last year’s team went 10-9 and were ranked 24th, but Kaulia believes that that number could’ve easily been higher.
“There were a lot of games that we were taking to five sets that ended up being losses,” she said. “If we’re able to turn those into wins, we’re still going to be able to be strong.”
Even with the losses, the coach and captains are in agreement that the postseason remains the goal.
“We’re looking forward to the challenges this season will bring,” Kim said. “I think we can surprise some people.”
