A lot of games, in fact the best games, are played because they’re fun. Volleyball is one of those: The fans in the stands can tell when a team is on a roll, because their enthusiasm is loud, proud and infectious.
Which may be a long-winded way of saying there’s a lot more to the game than the perfect record, and that’s a good thing. Because, at least so far in the young varsity volleyball season at Healdsburg High, the wins far outnumber the losses.
In fact it was only last weekend, in a tournament in St. Helena, that the Greyhound girls got their first win, a 2-0 shutout over Ferndale of Humboldt County. They did however lose the other three matches they played that day, Saturday Sept. 7. But at least it was a win—and if the volleyball team is burdened by a 1-11 record so far this year, new coach Jonathan Nuttall hopes the win helps turn the tide.
“I think getting that first win was a big weight off the team’s shoulders, and now that we have a full week of practice to prepare for our next tournament I’m hoping this will be a bit of a turning point for the team,” he said.
Nuttall takes partial responsibility for the team’s slow start. “I think the biggest contributor to the loss streak is that we just had a packed schedule to start the season,” he said. “I can tell you I won’t be scheduling this many back-to-back matches next year.”
He pointed out they had six matches before they had a single day of practice to make adjustments, with games three days a week against pretty stiff competition. These included a strong Montgomery team, perennial favorite Sonoma Academy, and back-to-back games last week in the East Gym against Santa Rosa and Fort Bragg.
Yet while they lost some seniors from last year’s team to graduation—including Addy Parmeter, Hadley Reuter, Mia Falberg and Laurel Heaney—a number of returning players should bring the team better results as the season progresses. These include Ashley Behrens, Allie Espinoza, Hannah Sellards and libero Melissa Casas Gatica.
“The girls are still determined to make this a successful season, and believe they can make this into a successful season,” said Nuttall, the young and informal new coach for the Greyhound girls who was assistant coach at Rancho Cotate last year.
“The key factor I’m aiming to take advantage of this season is stellar defense, on and off the net,” he said. “With the right prep, I think we’ll be able to frustrate even the best hitters in the league.”
Taking a look at the changed rosters in the other Redwood League teams—and the move of last season’s champion Ukiah to the Oak League—Nuttall said, “I think there might be a big shakeup in league standings this year. Where we’ll fall 12 weeks from now I can’t say, but I see the potential for this team to surprise some people.”
Healdsburg’s next home volleyball match is Tuesday, Sept 17, against Elsie Allen. Redwood League play begins the following week.
Caleb Knudsen, I just read your article about Healdsburg High School volleyball. I was offended when you mentioned every senior from last season, with the exception one(!) my oldest daughter, Sasha Turic, who was on the varsity squad for two seasons. But my jaw dropped when you also neglected to mention my youngest daughter, Sophia turic in your article. Not only is Sophia a senior, not only has she been on varsity for three seasons, but she is also the starting setter & server & appears in every photo in your article! Two additional, & highly talented seniors playing this season were also ignored in your article: Sara Cavallo & Cat Rousche.
Please do your research & do not eliminate entire families participation in the sports they love & the town they grew up in! It hurts!
A Frustrated reader
Nicole turic
Ni*********@gm***.com