It’s been one victory after another for the volleyball team this season, and they are trying to keep that trend going.

The girls volleyball team is off to a fantastic start this season with a county best 15-1 record, and a 7-0 record against fellow division 4A Blue opponents. The team has its eyes set on a state championship this year, and if it comes to fruition, it would be the first girls volleyball state championship in CHS history.

“I’m so proud of how successful we have been,” senior setter Lucy Bedewi said. “Moving forward we just need to stay humble, keep working hard, and play every game with passion and intensity.”

The team has had several key wins this season, beating 10-5 Wootton, 3-2, Sept. 8 and 12-3 Magruder, 3-1, Sept. 10.

“I know ‘every team has it’s weaknesses,’ but I honestly believe we are strong all around, physically and mentally,” sophomore Carolyn Youstra said.            `

From sophomores to seniors, everyone has a role. In the opener against Wootton, the team found itself in an early hole, dropping the first two sets in a best of five match, but the girls fought back to win the third game in dominating fashion, 25-10. The team carried this momentum into the fourth and fifth sets and won the match 3-2.

The Bulldogs were led by Bedewi and fellow senior setter Evie Chen, who combined for 42 assists and five aces.  Sophomore Michelle Tai had 10 dives and five assists in the match, and junior Nina Gautam had nine kills, nine digs, and four aces.

“The key to winning states this year will be in our undeniable team chemistry” Bedewi said. “Even as the games get tough, our team always stays positive. Our coach is always supporting us, and we are always supporting each other.”

The team is nearing the playoffs and they know winning states will be difficult. However the girls remain optimistic that they can continue their success.

“Our team has a lot of stamina both mentally and physically, so when teams took us to five sets we were able to win to stay strong,” Bedewi said.

Varsity head coach Cindy Hillard has helped the team adjust to different playing styles in order to win games by using strategies that specifically target its opponents. She is optimistic that the girls will win the championship.

“The Churchill volleyball team has never gone to states,” Hillard said. “This year the girls are focused on playing strong and going all the way.”