Girls’ volleyball: Falcons to be tested in higher league

Head Coach: Steve Chiou

2016-2017 Record: 20-8 overall record, 10-2 league record

2016-2017 Recap: The team excelled in the lower league last season, winning the league championship and qualifying for CCS.

Key Additions: junior libero Michelle Vu, sophomore libero Lauren Hansen

Key Matchups: Los Gatos (Oct. 3 and Oct. 24), Palo Alto (Sept. 21 and Oct. 12), Homestead (Sept. 28 and Oct. 19)

Star Players: junior outside hitter Katie Hulme, senior outside hitter Riley Carter, senior setter Dasha Gousseva

Key Losses (graduated athletes): Julia Vita

League:  De Anza Division

After a 10-2 record in the lower El Camino League, volleyball players hope that they can adjust to tougher competition in the more competitive De Anza League this year. With a new coach and new players, players are working on improving their skills in order to execute plays against harder teams.

Coach Steve Chiou was an assistant coach previously for the team in 2015. He is also the parent of junior Derek Chiou, the libero for the boys’ varsity volleyball team.

Senior outside hitter Riley Carter hopes to build on last season’s successes, even though this year will not be as easy.

“The harder league will help prepare us better for CCS,” Carter said.

Junior outside hitter Katie Hulme said that the team’s goal is to make it to CCS again and go as far as possible. “We need to focus on connecting as a team,” she said.