On Monday night, Verrado’s volleyball program kicked off its first home stand of the season against Ironwood, with Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity squads all hitting the court full of energy and determination. Though the night brought its challenges, the Vipers showed resilience, spirit, and growth — capped off by a Varsity victory that gave fans a reason to cheer.
The matches began at 4 p.m. with the Freshman team stepping up to set the tone. They brought energy, hustle, and a strong sense of teamwork, but Ironwood’s experienced defense proved tough to crack. Despite their efforts, the Vipers fell short in straight sets. The Freshman team’s fight, however, showed promise for growth as the season continues.
Next, the Junior Varsity squad took the floor. Verrado came out swinging, taking the first set with confidence. Fans in the stands cheered loudly, feeling momentum shift in the Vipers’ favor. But Ironwood refused to back down, adjusting quickly to Verrado’s tempo. With aggressive serving and solid defense, the Eagles rallied back, taking the next sets and ultimately the match. Though the scoreboard wasn’t in Verrado’s favor, the JV squad showed flashes of strong play and gained valuable experience heading into future games.
By 7 p.m., it was Varsity’s turn. The crowd, full of students, parents, and staff, packed the gym with high energy, creating an electric atmosphere. From the first serve, both teams made it clear this wasn’t going to be an easy match. The contest stretched to five grueling sets, with each team trading momentum, points, and big plays.
The Vipers showed resilience when it mattered most. With strong blocking, aggressive swings, and sharp defensive coverage, Verrado dug deep to close out the deciding set. The gym erupted as the Varsity squad sealed its first win of the season, earning a 3–2 victory over Ironwood.
Varsity player Kacey Sienko said the team had been focusing on tightening up their fundamentals in practice, especially blocking and coverage. That work, she explained, made the difference in their first win.
“Our team was super hyped about their first win, and we were all super proud,” Sienko said. “We’re still working on the little things, but this win gave us a lot of confidence moving forward.”
While the night didn’t produce victories across all levels, the Vipers showed a fighting spirit that didn’t go unnoticed by fans. Each match, whether won or lost, highlighted the team’s dedication to improving and competing.
For the Freshman and JV teams, Monday’s games offered lessons about discipline, communication, and consistency. For Varsity, the match was proof of what’s possible when the team plays with heart and focus.
Though early in the season, the Vipers are showing signs of a promising year ahead. The program’s growth is visible in every match, and with Varsity already on the board with a win, excitement is building among players, coaches, and the Verrado community.
As the season continues, the Vipers are eager to build on their performance, sharpen their skills, and bring more wins home to Verrado. Monday night’s games were not just about scores — they were about resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of competition.
With their first win secured, the Varsity squad has momentum heading into their next matchup, while the Freshman and JV teams aim to bounce back stronger. No matter the outcome, one thing is certain: Verrado volleyball is ready to make this season one to remember.
