By: Christian Bedrossian & Robert Legaspi
After reaching the state playoffs last season, the Granada Hills Charter (GHC) girls volleyball team entered this year hoping to build on that success. Although the Highlanders have faced an uneven start, their coaches believe stronger communication and improving defense could help them make another postseason run.
Following a win against Flintridge Sacred Heart on September 19, GHC’s overall record stands at 14-8-1 and its league record is 1-2.
In their last league match that was against Taft High School, the team lost 3-0, but went on to win 4-0 in their next tournament.
Last season, GHC finished 28-20 overall and 6-4 in league play, placing fourth behind Taft Charter High School, Cleveland, and El Camino Real Charter High School. The Highlanders continued into the California State playoffs, where they defeated Cate School and University High School in straight sets.
Their postseason run ended with a close 3-2 loss to Mammoth High School, but the team’s two playoff victories demonstrated its ability to compete beyond league play.
This season, the team has earned victories against Kennedy High School and North Hollywood High School, although they suffered early losses to Notre Dame High School, Hart High School, and Cleveland. Despite those setbacks, assistant coach Peter Torres said he enjoys helping the players respond to challenges and develop throughout the season.
“I love uplifting the players and seeing them improve after you talk to them one on one and perform the things that you ask them to do,” Peter Torres said. “It’s something that’s great, and you sort of feel it in your heart when you see them, you know, sort of grow as players and that sort of thing.”
According to assistant coach Peter Torres, the team is vocal and communicative, making sure that no mistakes are made on the court because of how important every point is.
“The girls do a really good job of talking to each other and being very communicative on and off the court,” Coach Torres said. “That’s necessary because volleyball is honestly one of the more mental sports rather than physical, You have to believe and have confidence in yourself to perform things. That way stuff’s not going to get them, and they can do a really good job.”
The Highlanders have also focused on strengthening their defense and improving how quickly they transition from defense to offense.
“So far, it’s been going really well, and we’ve been getting a lot of good plays, a lot of good ups that we may have not moved earlier in the season,” Coach Torres said. “So far, we’ve been making steady progress on that defensive end.”
WIth the postseason approaching, the Highlanders must turn its preparation into consistent execution. Their playoff experience from last season gives them a foundation, but their latest results will determine whether they have another opportunity to keep fighting and make a run when it matters most.
GHC plays Kennedy at 3:30 p.m. today. Go out and support our team.
