WCDS opening sweep

Starting the season off with the bang, the WCDS Owls hosted the Massanutten Military Academy Colonels and won in three consecutive sets — 25-14, 25-18, 25-14. With five starting seniors, this is a big year for the Owls.

“It is a bittersweet game knowing that it is my last firstgame in high school, but I'm looking forward to the season in front of us,” says senior middle hitter Hannah Burak. Outside hitter Mari Tisera adds, “Looking back on my seven years of playing, I know I've made lasting memories and am grateful to have played with such a remarkable team.”

Seniors notwithstanding, the younger players who make up the remainder of the team are integral to its success. "Watching these younger players — Alexis, Ruthie, Maeve, the Sophias — dominate in our season opener feels great,” says senior, Setter Gwynn Major. “I know these players can hold their own and they haven't even reached their full potential on the court yet.”

In her 17th year as head coach of the Varsity Volleyball team, Suzanne Zylonis remarks, “Each season is incredible, but some really have impact. Watching these young women grow over the last several seasons and prove themselves on the court time-andtime-again is truly remarkable. They have all the best qualities of a student-athlete: grit, true team spirit, incredible sportsmanship, and a real desire to be competitive.

“Coaching at WCDS is an honor; I look forward to it every summer, and this year is no exception. Our back-office managers, Natara Dulaney, Camille Lummis and Anna Wu really round out our team. I'm really excited to watch how this season develops."