Mills Volleyball Gets Off To A 2-1 Start

After a clinic at Hillsdale High School in late August, the Mills varsity volleyball team went on to a 2-1 win-loss record in a three-game home-stand.

MERCY-BURLINGAME (L) – Thursday, Sept. 2

With a finalized roster of 14 players and four weeks of preparation, the Lady Vikings fell to their first opponent, the Crusaders;  25-23, 18-25, 15-25, 13-25.

Mercy-Burlingame, one of the most consistent top-placing programs in the Bay Division, bounced back from a first set loss, winning by a larger margin in each progressive set.

"Their main advantage is height," said Mills' coach Polly Wiard. "(Mercy Burlingame's) girls are really tall, plus they always go to their best players, maybe I should start doing that too, but I try to work the ball around and give everyone a chance to play."

Senior outside hitter Kristen Chin led the Lady Vikes with 19 digs, five kills, and scoring on five serves.

"They're a good team," said Chin, 17. "They played better defense, and they just played better as a team."

Karen Chiu had three kills, and 20 assists to go with Chin's efforts.

CAPUCHINO (W) – Thursday, Sept. 9

After a season-opening loss to Mercy-Burlingame, the Lady Vikings regrouped to face longtime rival Capuchino High School, winning in three sets; 25-17, 25-21, 25-10.

Mills sported a strong front row, showcasing beautifully-timed blocks to go with their constant court awareness.

"I just watch when they jump and try to time it right for the block," said junior middle hitter Audrey Jonoubeh, 16.

The Lady Vikes established their dominance over the Mustangs in the third set, an 11-1 scoring run put the team on front at the very start of the set.

Mills offense proved to be superior, as Cap's back row struggled to contain Kristen Chin's spikes from afar.

"Usually I back up from my court zone to get acceleration and be able to hit aggressively," said Chin, 17.

"I try to take every game as just another game, so it doesn't stress me out."

Coach Wiard approved of her players efforts, saying that they won the game as a unit.

"Kristen is a real consistent player, she's the focal point of our team," said Wiard.

Libero Karen Chiu had 29 assists, scoring four aces on 10 serves. Chin and Alex Madarang had 5 kills each.

SEQUOIA (W) – Friday, Sept. 10

The Lady Vikings faced a steady opponent on the Sequoia Lady Cherokees, pulling out a five-set win; 24-15, 25-26, 20-25, 25-21, 15-11.

Mills' front three made the difference in the clutch moments once again, providing stability and pacing the game to their favor.

All sets were very close for the exception of the first, which was a 10-point win for Mills.

Sequoia did adapt to Mills' aggressive play-style, pulling off a 26-25 set win to even the game at one set each.

After being down 2-1 after three sets, Mills' ability to stay focused and organize their defensive zones was the key to pull the game to their favor.

Mills' coach Polly Wiard said she is still experimenting with different lineups and rotations to see what works for her team down the stretch.

"It's only pre-season," said Wiard.

Sophomore Stephanie Pun had 45 digs to balance her team back into control and eventually win the game.

"Stephanie had an excellent game," said Wiard.

Senior libero Karen Chiu had her strongest game of the season, racking up 45 assists, to go with Kristen Chin's seven kills.