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Jumping high, Khloe Hogle ’29 reaches to send the ball over the net. Her positive energy and fierce attacks always help the team.
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Launching into the air, Julia Kushnirsky ’29 reaches out to block Cedar Ridge’s ball. Even with tough defense, Cedar Ridge beat the Warriors 2-0.
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Hands together and energy high, Freshman Volleyball celebrates after a powerful ace from Layla Guerra ’29. The team’s communication and bond has greatly improved since the beginning of the season.
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Putting her arms together, Emme Sims ’29 sends the ball flying over the net. Her dives and incredible saves helped Westwood during the match, but the Warriors still fell short to Cedar Ridge.
In an intense match, Freshman Volleyball fought against the Cedar Ridge Raiders on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Even with aggressive kills and valiant saves, the Warriors ultimately met defeat after a two set match.
“Without your team being encouraged, it’s gonna be hard to get the next point,” Julia Kushnirsky ‘29 said. “Celebrating is what brings us up and keeps up the good energy so we can continue to do good.”
Launching into the first set, the Raiders took the lead off the first point with an out of bounds serve. However, the Warriors fought back with a point earned by Sloane Martin ‘29, tying the score early at one. Consistent steady serves from Daisy Segura ‘29 and quick save from Gissel Gavina ‘29 secured Westwood’s dominance. Despite the strong head start in points, the Lady Warriors’ defensive blunders and out of bounds hits allowed Cedar Ridge to quickly catch up, with the lead constantly switching between the teams. Motivated by the encouraging chants from the bench, Westwood was fired up to take back points. Strong spikes from Ellie Silkey ‘29 gave Westwood the spirit needed to gain the momentum back needed to push ahead. Despite the Warriors’ fiery energy, their mistakes quickly caught up to them and allowed Cedar Ridge the perfect opening to sneak in and steal the first set 25-19.
“I have a method [to reset after errors] where I [tug on my shirt] when I’m in my head,” Grace Kinnison ‘29 said. “It resets my brain, so I get out of whatever loop I’m in.”
After a team huddle, Westwood was pumped up, hoping to make a comeback against Cedar Ridge. However, the Raiders exonerated the same, and were fired up stealing three points before the Warriors could score. Cedar Ridge’s missed serve allowed Westwood to break the streak and get back in the game. A fierce spike from Kushnirsky combined with a powerful ace from Layla Guerra ‘29 sent the Raiders into a miscommunication mess, allowing Westwood to take the lead. Keeping energy high throughout the rest of the set, the Warriors kept up, neck and neck, with the Raiders.. The Lady Warriors were relentless in their attacks, however in a devastating final point, Cedar Ridge won the second set 25-23 and the game 2-0.
“It’s a big accomplishment when you fully trust your team,” Kushnirsky said, “and know that they’re there for you to get the balls.”
The Warriors will take the court again in their next home game against the Stony Point Tigers on Friday, Sept. 19.
![Focused, Grace Toledo '28 prepares to set the ball, as part of the warm up. Toledo played a crucial role in backrow during the Warrior's game against the Raiders. "[In the third set] we fixed our serves, and filled in the gaps," Toledo said.](jpg/edit_2025-09-16_jvo-volleyball-vs-cedar-ridge_preeyapanwalker_1-e1758381918417-697x1200.jpg)
