by Hope Gouterman ’13

The Sherwood varsity girls volleyball team is officially unbeatable. The team capped off an undefeated 19-0 season by defeating Arundel High School (25-21, 25-19, 25-19) in the 4A State Championship at Ritchie Coliseum on November 19. The team remarkably has claimed consecutive state championships while going undefeated in both seasons.

With incredible performances by both starters and substitutes, coach Brian McCarty had no problem setting up a line to compete both offensively and defensively. The girls were able to maintain control over the match against the Wildcats while consistently remaining composed in the pressure-filled moments.

Junior Alex Holston, who is committed to play volleyball at the University of Florida, led the team with 36 attacks and 14 kills. Following close behind was senior Megan Hewitt with 31 attacks and 11 kills. As far as ball handling, junior Maddie Moyer led with 32 assists. On the defensive side, senior Sydney West led the team with 12 digs.

“I think outstanding contributions were made by all,” said McCarty. “We played and won the game as a team. Alex Holston, Megan Hewitt and Morgan McAlpin led the way in terms of our attacking at the net. Maddie Moyer did a fantastic job quarterbacking the offense and setting up they attackers. Sydney West and Melody Young were flying all over the court to make digs defensively. Dominique Parker and Makayla Roy did a great job blocking at the net. And the substitutes gave us tremendous energy all game long.”

With the stands packed with Sherwood fans, enthusiastic cheering filled the coliseum. When Holston had a kill, Warrior fans clamped their hands together to form a gator, the mascot of the University of Florida.

“It was awesome. The atmosphere is insane to be out there on that court with everybody rooting for you. You feel empowered and all you want to do is win for yourself and for all those people who are there for you,” said West.

The girls have proved once again that they are the best in the state of Maryland and likely the entire D.C. metropolitan area. Ranked No. 1 by the Washington Post for the majority of the season, the team proved that they had the mettle to deliver on the immense expectations placed upon them. Sometimes the very best team does win it all. For the Lady Warriors, they have proved it twice.

“Championships aren’t built in one night. We’re really happy it ended like this, but it started August 13,” said McCarty.