Volleyball streak reaches record 23 games

Since early September, the Parkland volleyball team has been nothing but spectacular.  They are currently on a school-record 23 game win streak after their dominating performance on Tuesday and have earned their No. 4 National ranking.

Heating up like this is just what the team needs, especially as they prepare for Regionals with hopes of going on to Nationals.

During this winning streak, the team has come away with victories over some quality teams. Wins over Lincoln, a winning streak of 15 sets at the Kankakee Invite and victory at their own tournament, the Parkland Invite, have put this team in an enviable position. 

The streak has resulted in the team being boosted to the number four spot in the nation for Division II volleyball. It has also resulted in an eighteenth straight Midwestern Athletic Conference championship.

Have the challenges become tougher during the streak?  Some players do not think so.

Jessica Galotta, sophomore outside hitter explained, “I don’t think they’ve been tougher, I think every game we have a challenge that we focus on, but every game there’s always going to be a challenge.”

“I think we just keep getting better and the competition is not really stepping up,” freshman Jordan Wooden responded.

Sophomore Megan Scharnett had this to say, “Yes, now that we are on a 22 game winning streak, I feel like everyone is trying to end that winning streak and ultimately, that is every opponents dream. I feel as the season goes on and we’re coming closer to nationals, that we can only expect that some team will come along and end that winning streak.”

Overall, the competition level is big for any team.  Every team strives to believe they can win every game. It’s an edge they need to succeed.

The team is getting terrific support from sophomore stand-out Shelby Geers, who ranks nationally in kills at No. 5 with 348, and No. 4 in hitting percentage at .463.

Megan Scharnett ranks No. 6 in the Nation in digs, with, 516 and the team is getting significant contribution from their outstanding freshmen players, as well.

Wooden had this to say, “I think Shelby has really stepped up, she has really put the ball down when we really need a point and Megan, her service has really helped us out.  I just think all the sophomores in general have really helped us out the most.”

“I think our right side hitter, Allyn Krenz has really stepped it up a lot, she’s one of our big hitters now and I think overall all the freshmen are finally getting adjusted to it and really picking up their game,” Galotta responded.

Scharnett added, “It takes a team to win everything. Sophomore wise, I love my fellow sophomores to death. Shelby Geers is an amazing middle blocker and Dana Belcher and Jessica Galotta are both amazing defensive players. Our freshmen have really stepped up a lot this year to contribute. Allyn Krenz and both of our setters have stepped it up a lot.”

For this Cobra team, mistakes may have happened early on, but now they are looking stronger than ever. As a result, they are one of the best teams in the country.

Parkland is ranked No. 4 in the country for a reason.  They have worked hard and played even harder.

Parkland trails only No. 3 Grand Rapids Community College (25-1), No. 2 Glendale Community College (11-4) and No. 1 Cowley Community College (23-0). 

The Cobras anticipate facing these teams at the National Tournament in Toledo next month and are ecstatic about the opportunity.

“I think if we keep improving the way we are now and playing to our full capability, there is no doubt that Nationals will be in the future,” Wooden said, regarding a National berth.

Before the game, Scharnett said, “Going into tonight’s game against DACC; a win would make us 30-6 and would extend our streak to 23 games, which I was told was a school record. But overall, I feel very confident and I think that we are in mid-season form and if we keep it up, Toledo will be where we will be heading in mid-November.”

The Cobras are looking better than ever. With this outstanding sophomore class, a national championship would be a fitting end to the season.