The HCP volleyball teams seemed almost unbeatable early this year. The accomplishment of the Silver Bracket in the Bethany tournament marked a new beginning for the Eagles for the upcoming season, making their mark for upcoming games.

In order to win the Silver Bracket, the team had to place in the bottom four teams out of eight. They beat the four teams, placing third place overall.

“Winning so early in the year shows we have the potential to go far this season,” said coach Lakin Smith.

The strong competition throughout the tournament emphasized the team’s durability and perseverance. They showed these traits not only through the tournament but also in other games afterwards.

Not only three days after, the team beat Santa Fe South 3-2. On August 20, however, the team lost 0-3 to Oklahoma Christian School. The team was not discouraged by this loss, as they said it only made more room for growth overall.

“There are always room for changes to better the team as a whole,” Smith said.

Team captain Allison Williams said this season is challenging but she believes she can encourage her team to keep positive attitudes.

Williams also said that the team strategies changed from last year, with “more positive attitudes and the focus changed to better the team instead of focusing on individual people.”

Despite the team’s loss, the strategies creates great teamwork and encouraging attitudes which sets a path for more wins in the future.