GPHS Volleyball Update

In this article, Atianna will update you on the GPHS volleyball season.

GPHS Volleyball Update

Written by: Atianna Vainuku-Johnson

The GPHS varsity volleyball team has a new and improved ranking of #30 in the 6A division. The Lady Cavers' current record for the fall 2023 season is 10-13 overall and 3-7 in the league. Although the season has been rocky, the Lady Cavers are finding ways to make it to playoffs.

On Sept. 3-, 2023, they attended the Bear Creek Bash tournament at South Medford High School, where they went 3-2, losing to Shasta, Foothill, and Crater. They beat Phoenix and Caldera to end the tournament on a good note. The Lady Cavers are doing everything in their power to remain in the top 30 of the rankings so they can go to playoffs. The volleyball team has not been to the playoffs in five years after some rough seasons, COVID-19 seasons, and coaching changes.

Varsity dressed fancy for a team dinner. Photo Credit: Sophia Small Instagram

The Lady Cavers most recently went to the Bend Clearwater Classic tournament that they attend annually in Bend, OR. They played four games and lost all four. GPHS Junior Defensive Specialist for the varsity Zanai Vainuku-Johnson stated, “Only two sets were won during the whole tournament.” This is n ot the outcome the team was hoping for, but this is just a minor setback for the GPHS volleyball team. 

Before heading to the Bend Clearwater Classic, the Lady Cavers played Willamette in a league game at Willamette, and beat them 3-0 in sets. Sophia Small said, “They are a team we are supposed to beat so I'm glad we came out and did that.” Ultimately, The Lady Cavers got the chance to attend playoffs for the first time in five years. They played #3 Oregon City in Oregon City on Oct. 25, 2023. Unfortunately, the Lady Cavers lost to Sheldon in their home game of the season and to Oregon City.

Show some love for our seniors. Lady Cavers played their hearts out these past few games of the season to show what GPHS is all about but, sadly, fell short in the end. It was a great season for coach Ziegler and the Lady Cavers.

The six seniors on varsity. Photo Credit: Kenzie Powers Instagram

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