Intense, hard-hitting, high-energy practices are held every day for the Eagles volleyball team. Practice is not a time to sit around and talk. The players face punishment if they do not give 100% in the minds of the coaches.

“Although it’s a lot of hard work, it pays off after a long season of winning,” Laura Berg, ?04, said. “The practices are paying off for us.”

The Eagles end the season undefeated with West Sierra League record of 16-0 and take their number five rating to Coast Union to face the number four seed on Nov. 14 to open the WSL playoffs.

While the seniors have played a large roll in going undefeated, an under classmen has contributed effort and attitude to the team.

“We could not have done it without the under classmen,” team captain, Jennifer Jesser, ’02, said, “Michelle (Nachtigall, ’04) really has stepped it up this year compared to last year.”
Second year varsity, Nachtigall, plays middle blocker is one player who has stepped up to take a lead role on the team.

Nachtigall took up volleyball five years ago. Every year she attends the Fresno Pacific University volleyball camp and for four years she has gone to Bullard High School’s volleyball camp.

She said the camps focus on conditioning and help keep her in shape. However, she also goes for her love of the sport and to meet her teammates.

“I love playing,” Nachtigall said. “Volleyball is the best sport. My teammates accept me and they are like my sisters. Carli (Albrechtson, ’03) is especially encouraging. If I make a mistake, she’s understanding and a great friend.”

Nachtigall said that she knows she needs to go back to the fundamentals of volleyball and work together with her teammates.

“Fundamentals enable them to be more efficient,” assistant coach Betsy Shivers said, “to hit stronger, spike harder, serve stronger and get to any ball.” Shivers, a former FC volleyball player, graduated in 1997.

Before the team heads to Cambria for the playoffs, a new face was added. Lindsay Martens,’05, was pulled up from junior varsity to play in varsity playoffs.
Quickly, her teammates tried to make her feel like one of the team.

“I love our team and we are all friends, and have fun times,” Jesser, ’02, said. “We actually have a shot at Valley championship and we are not just kidding ourselves.”

Students will be able to sign up for charter bus in order to attend the Nov. 13 game. The cost is $8 and will include bus ride and admission to the playoff game. Students need to sign up in the office by Nov. 12 in order to save seat. Food and drinks will cost extra. The bus will leave by 12:30 and return about midnight on Nov. 14.