The boys’ volleyball game against the Webb School of California on April 17, 2026, was a true demonstration of growth and improvement throughout the game. Despite a slightly disappointing start, the strong team effort ultimately gave EF the path to victory in the end.
Set 1 was a very close race between the two schools, with both teams putting up strong competition on the court. In the end, however, EF lost the first set 20-25 against Webb, which motivated the players to improve their game in the forthcoming sets.
In Set 2, the players clearly communicated their tactics and plans for what to do in retaliation against possible strategies used by the players on Webb’s team. Through calculated moves and collaboration between the team members, EF managed to narrowly come out on top with a 25-22 win.
Discussing the team strategy, Coach David Stack stated, “The collaboration was strong. Matus Benetin transitioned into a new position, Gallaxcee Lee stepped into setting after not having played as setter in recent games, and their teammates encouraged them for getting into these new roles.”
Moving into Set 3, EF kept the high going and the team members continued to work together to deliver the team to victory. EF delivered an even larger victory with the help of powerful serves, a strong defense, and quick hitters, with the team beating Webb 25-18.
By this point, EF was just one set away from winning the entire game, and the crowd was overjoyed by the team’s gradual improvement in performance with each set.
Leading into Set 4, EF was more motivated than ever. Huddles with the coach prior to its beginning drove the energy and excitement of the team even higher than previously, and the team’s performance demonstrated that. While Webb’s players put up a strong fight as they faced pressure to win the set in order to avoid losing the game as a whole, EF maintained the same level of strength they had demonstrated across the rest of the game, delivering a 25-19 win in the fourth and final set.
Securing the win was a major bonus for the team and for the school community, exemplifying the determination of the team which made the team go from a loss in Set 1 to an uninterrupted winning streak of 3 sets that gave EF the victory in the end.
Reflecting on the victory, Coach Stack added, “I was very impressed with how we handled the game against Webb. We had players out with sickness, and many players needed to step into new positions. They came together as a team after losing the first set to win the next three.”
Piggybacking off this, Grade 11 student Liam Johnson mentioned, “As the libero of the team, I’d say that I contributed to the team’s victory by making stable passes that can lead them to an offense. Without a defense there will be no offense. Although it is not my main sport, I love to help keep people motivated on the court and make sure everyone is where they are.”
If there’s any indicator of how increased motivation and teamwork over time can drive a team to victory, EF proved they are the clear example of that with their spectacular win. Without the team’s dedication, support, and confidence as players tried new roles, EF’s major victory might’ve turned out very different.