Future is Bright: Hopewell 7th Graders Earn Season-Opening Win, 8th Graders Show Strength in Volleyball Season Debut 🏐

Future is Bright: Hopewell 7th Graders Earn Season-Opening Win, 8th Graders Show Strength in Volleyball Season Debut 🏐

Packed Gym A crowd witnesses teamwork, growth, and determination as Hopewell Junior High Lady Vikings launch the 2026 season against Avonworth. – Written by Ariana Fischer

Hopewell Junior High Gym A was packed Tuesday afternoon for the kickoff of the 7th and 8th grade girls volleyball season. Both teams took on Avonworth Middle School in a thrilling season-opening matchup. The 7th grade team came out on top with a 25–20 win in the first set and a 25–14 victory in the second set. The 8th graders battled hard but came up short, falling 25–21 in the first set and 25–16 in the second.

Congratulations to both teams on their first games of the season as they begin to grow into an unstoppable force. Watching these two teams on the court showed that bonding and support have already started, and great things are ahead under the direction of Coaches Terry Borkavic (Coach B.) and Lexi Thompson.

The 7th graders started the game with strong serves from Kendall Bain, Kendall Miller, Jayden Kemp, Rilyn Davis, and Kaleah Potter. Throughout the game, they showed the effort they’ve put in during practice with great passes from Rilyn Davis, Kendall Bain, Eva Hein, Adelynn Gray, Savi Neophytou, Malena Bonanno, Gia Yurcina and Kyla McNutt. Points were finished with impressive hits and kills by Kendall Miller, Isla Rock, Kaleah Potter, and Vanessa Kurta. Kendall Bain, Natalie Benninghoff, and Adelynn Gray also showed their strength as setters. The team’s success came from working together, finishing the game with excellent passes, sets, and hits from everyone.

The 8th graders brought a strong fighting spirit and worked together as a team. They had great passes from Kelsey Homick, Stella Sannan, Lily Cain, Riley Yanchik, Ariana Fischer, Sam Holsinger, Brooke Otto, Sierra Perry, and Leah Buettner. The team showed impressive skills, including strong sets from Brooke Otto and Sam Holsinger, and kills from Afton Budris, Alyssa Phillips, Ariana Fischer, Amiyah Shell, Ellie McCoy, and Arionna Shell. Although they came up short, they walked away with confidence and pride. As the season continues, they will experience many accomplishments, wins, and losses—but no matter what, they play as a team. They play as a Viking family.

The community was out in full force to support the beginning of the season, which was exciting to see. With all the excitement around this spring sport, we’re sharing a recap of volleyball positions and terms for those who may not be as familiar with volleyball.

Volleyball has recently gained popularity, and in 2023 it became the top girls’ high school team sport in the United States. At the Junior High level, volleyball is played with six players on each side of the court, and teams rotate positions clockwise each time they win a point while serving. Every play begins with a serve, and teams are allowed up to three hits to return the ball over the net. Most plays follow a sequence of a pass (or bump), a set, and then a hit or attack. Communication and teamwork are essential, as players must move quickly into position to defend against the opponent’s attack or set up their own scoring opportunity.

At this level, the focus is on developing strong fundamentals such as consistent serving, accurate passing, controlled setting, and proper hitting technique. Players also learn rotations, court awareness, and how to support one another during play. Many Junior High athletes experience multiple positions to build well-rounded skills and a deeper understanding of the game. As players continue to grow, they gain confidence, improve their mechanics, and strengthen their teamwork, all while preparing for future competition at the high school level.

Understanding the structure of the game makes it easier to follow the action on the court. Here’s a breakdown of key positions and common volleyball terms to help fans better understand what they’re watching.

Key Positions:
Front row players include the Outside Hitter, Middle, Opposite/Right-side, and Setter. The back row includes Left Back, Middle Back, Right Back, and the Libero. The Libero wears a different color jersey and is a specialized defensive player who focuses on receiving serves and digging attacks to keep the ball in play.

Key Terms:
Ace: An untouched serve that results in a point.
Dig: A defensive pass of a ball hit by an opposing hitter.
Block: Stopping or deflecting a ball at the net from the opposing team.
Kill: An attack that results in an immediate point.
Pancake: When a player places their hand flat on the floor under the ball, allowing it to bounce off the hand and stay in play.
Shank: A misplayed pass that goes off target, often forcing players to chase the ball.

We hope family and friends continue to come out and cheer on your Hopewell Vikings!

The February lineup includes:
Away at West A — 2/19
Home vs. Quaker Valley — 2/24
Away at South Fayette — 2/26

All home games are played at Junior High Gym A. Seventh grade games begin at 3:30 PM, followed by the 8th grade team at 4:30 PM.

Stay tuned for weekly updates here at Hopewell Sports Nation as we follow our Junior High Lady Vikings this season!