Volleyball opens district play undefeated, will host first Senior Night

September 30, 2016

True Grit. It’s a well-known book and movie, but for the Frassati Catholic volleyball team, it has become part of the team’s identity.

The Falcons played a very competitive non-district schedule to start the season, falling to some strong teams early, but that experience is paying dividends now in district play, as the Falcons are 4-0 through the first round of games in pool play.

“I think a tough pre-district season is extremely important for teams who want to really do well in district play,” said Head Coach, Katie Hoff. “We have been able to speed up our offense and tighten up our defense by playing strong teams like Northland Christian and The Woodlands Christian and staying with them point-for-point. And not only that, they have learned to be gritty and fight for every single ball, which is what the best teams do.”

Grit. It sums up the identity of a team that fought through a very competitive stretch of games and has emerged to compile a 14-10-1 overall record. One reason the team has developed this mentality is its five seniors, who have led by example the entire season.

“Our seniors are definitely leaders on this team,” said Hoff. “From the beginning of the season, they have embraced the underclassmen and really set a standard for how to practice and play hard while still having fun. With our small taste of post-season play last year, the seniors know what it feels like to be successful, and they definitely want more. They have been able to express to the new varsity members the importance of teamwork and goal setting, which keeps everyone focused on what it takes to win as a team. At a team discussion earlier this season, we talked about how important it is to trust your teammates and believe that everyone is giving their all to the team. The girls decided to sit together at lunch on game days to enhance their team chemistry, and they developed a special pre-game warm-up ritual to get ready for competition. These girls really have a great “all-in" mentality, and I think this really helps them to play as a unit during a match.”

Seniors from left to right: Grace Carroll, Johanna Kloesel, Maria Archundia, Margarita Caceres, and Hannah Hoskins.

The five seniors – Maria Archundia, Margarita Caceres, Grace Carroll, Hannah Hoskins, and Johanna Kloesel – will be recognized at the team’s final home game on Thursday, October 6 at 6:00 p.m. against Pasadena First Baptist.

“It's hard for me to imagine a team without my five seniors,” said Hoff. “I love thinking back to our first season together, where they all were skill-wise, and then watch them play today. How far they've come. They have worked so hard to bring the program to where we are today.”

The seniors’ journey began in 2013 with home games played off campus since the school didn’t have a gymnasium; it ends with the first season in the school’s new 17,000 square-foot facility where they finally have a home.

“Having a home gym to play in has made a huge difference this year,” said Hoff. “Just being able to spend less time bussing everywhere every day and more time on the court or doing schoolwork has made a big improvement in everyone's lives. Having a locker room where pregame prep goes on has been so great, and the girls really love having bleachers full of fans to play for. It's much easier for students, faculty, and families to come and watch the games and be a part of the action, and the players really feel the support from the stands. I have also been really pleased with the enthusiastic atmosphere of the fans in the student section. They never cheer against the other team, always cheer in support of our girls, and have helped to elevate our intensity on the court.”

The Falcons strong run in its early district games has been aided by the consistency of the team’s three freshman and strong play from its two sophomores, Mia Agana and Clare Finney. The three freshman – Rachel Demarais, Kathryn O’Brien, and Grace Anne Kloesel – have seen significant playing time and have quickly adjusted to the high school game.

“All three joined the team and began making an immediate impact on the success of our program,” said Hoff. “Kat and Grace Anne opposite each other in the middle are the top two kill leaders for our team, and Rachel playing back row has the most aces served and the best pass rating on the team, not to mention playing a strong outside hitter on the left side. These girls play without fear, and have even taught the seniors a thing or two about working hard to earn a spot in the starting lineup.”

Hoff believes the Falcons are in a position to fight for a top seed in the district playoffs despite some tough matchups in the final four district games.

“Our goal at this point is to go undefeated in district play and earn the top seed for playoffs. That's a big deal when you consider that in the first and second round of playoffs, the Bi-district and Area rounds, the higher seeded team gets to host and enjoy a home court advantage. We want to earn the #1 seed and play at home, and I think that goal is well within reach. We will have to finish out the second round of district on the road, and play in big, loud gyms like Rosehill and Legacy, so that will be a challenge, but I know we'll rise to the occasion.”

The team plays its next match at home on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 6:00 p.m. against CHSM. The team will play its final home game on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 6:00 p.m. against Pasadena First Baptist.

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About Frassati Catholic High School: Founded in 2013, Frassati Catholic High School serves the families and parishes in the north Houston area of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Administered by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation from Nashville, TN, Frassati Catholic High School prepares students to walk on the path of true happiness through a robust college-preparatory curriculum rooted in the Catholic faith. The school currently serves students in grades 9-12. For more information about Frassati Catholic High School, contact Kyle Smith, director of communications, at 832-616-3227.