Girls Hockey and Senior Volleyball on Winning Streaks

Two of Greenwood’s sports teams are enjoying a winning streak! The girls’ hockey and senior girls’ volleyball teams are undefeated, an exciting start to the season for both teams!

This is Greenwood’s first competitive girls hockey team in over three years. Unconventionally, the team includes players of all ages, from grades 7 to 12.

This wide range of ages has turned out to be a source of strength. Led by coaches Baker and Moritsugu, the team has developed a supportive environment.

“The team dynamics are really great. The older students look out for the younger ones,” Coach Baker said. “All the Grade 12s have really taken on a leadership role and look out for the younger students on and off the ice.”

A great example of this dynamic are “the Sydneys,” a defensive pair consisting of Sydney Wayne and Sydney Gordon, in Grades 7 and 12 respectively. The two work together flawlessly, building off each other’s energy and experience.

It has been an exciting season, especially as their undefeated streak grows, with the girls giving it their all to snag another win. During a tied game against BSS, Alyssa Marshall scored the winning goal — securing herself a hat trick — with just 1.5 seconds left on the clock!

The senior volleyball team is experiencing similar success, having won all four of their games so far this season.

It is a young team this year, with only two grade 12s; however, there are many veterans from last year’s CISAA division finals, all of whom are determined to bring the team back there.

Coach DiFilippo can plainly see this determination on the court, saying the team is “in the moment during games. As soon as the whistle blows to start the rally, we are focused on that point.”

But it isn’t all seriousness. “The team is very supportive of each other,” Coach DiFilippo said. “They give positive feedback to their teammates and encourage each other to take risks.”

After each practice, players give a congratulate their teammates, remarking on each other’s achievements. They motivate each other to succeed, while building a positive energy that keeps them going, even when things get tough.

This strong sense of focus and positivity was clear in their recent game with TFS. The team started off weaker than they expected; however, they never lost that focus or positivity, with multiple players going on long serving streaks. Erin Thompson, for example, managed 13 consecutive serves in the second set. At the same time, the team focused on passing free balls to set up their offense. They kept the pressure on TFS, and were able to pull out another win!

Be sure to check out our Athletics schedule and see when they are playing next. Parent are encouraged to come out to support our teams, and cheer them on to their next big wins!