Country Day’s varsity volleyball team defeated the John Adams Patriots in its season opener 25-23, 25-12 and 25-14 on April 19. 

The team had a slow start because it was their first time playing in front of a crowd, said coach Jason Kreps.

After miscommunications on the court, the Cavs eventually picked up the pace.

“Once the players got comfortable, they knew they could play better than they did in the first set, so they came out and showed their skills,” Kreps said.

Senior middle Elise Sommerhaug was the best player, having several kills and playing smart with the ball, Kreps said.

A kill is when a hitter spikes the ball to the opposing team, and they aren’t able to return it, she said.

Sommerhaug attributed the early miscommunications on the court to not having chemistry as a team. 

“We were hesitant with each other on the court, and we needed to trust each other more, something that will come with time,” she said. 

This was also the first time Kreps started three freshmen on the varsity team — right hitter Annalucia King, setter Kaitlyn Dias and libero Zoe Genetos.

“The key to volleyball is creating that first pass, which (Genetos) did well,” Kreps said.

Genetos plays libero, also known as the defensive specialist. 

Her job is to receive serves and hits and make sure they go to the setter who sets up the team’s attack, Genetos said. 

“The excitement I got from getting good digs was on another level,” she said. 

The Cavs’ next game is April 23 at 6 p.m. against Buckingham Charter at Vaca Pena Middle School.

— By Rod Azghadi