Mars could not find its rhythm against third-seeded Shaler on Wednesday, Oct. 28, falling in three straight sets, 25–17, 25–11, 25–13, in the first round of the WPIAL girls volleyball playoffs. The loss ended Mars’ season with a 9–5 record.
For Mars head coach Tami Caraway, the challenge was settling a team that struggled to recover after falling behind.
“I think that they came in a little nervous,” Caraway said. “They got behind and they never could recover from that.”
Each time Mars began to close the gap, Shaler found a way to pull away again. Caraway said her team tried to return to the things it had worked on in preparation, but could not consistently put its game plan into practice.
“We kept trying to go back to the things that we had worked on in preparation for this,” she said. “And trying to get them to calm down and be more of themselves as players. But I don’t think that we ever really quite got there tonight.”
Shaler’s serving presented a challenge, and difficulties passing the ball limited Mars’ offensive options.
Caraway said she had seen growth in that area during the season, making the struggles particularly disappointing.
“But, you know, you have good nights and you have bad nights,” she said. “And tonight was a bad night.”
The performance followed what Caraway described as a good practice and a positive mood before the team boarded the bus. Once on the court, however, she thought the pressure may have weighed on some of her players.
Her seniors, she said, are hardworking, conscientious students who care deeply about their teammates.
“They probably put too much pressure on themselves instead of just going out there and playing loose,” Caraway said.
Despite the result, Caraway found encouragement in the play of younger team members, particularly Genis.
“I thought Alyssa played exceptionally well,” she said.
“She’s a phenomenal leader, phenomenal player, phenomenal athlete,” Caraway said.
Freshman outside hitter Olivia Corbin is another player Caraway looks forward to developing. With returning players gaining experience and an injured player expected back next season, she sees a foundation for the program’s next chapter.
“We have the pieces to build on, and I’m looking forward to that,” Caraway said. “That’s the great thing about coaching. Every year, no matter how many players you have come back, it’s always new. It’s a new opportunity.”
First comes the opportunity to recognize the departing seniors at the team banquet and thank them for their contributions.
Caraway said the program’s culture depends on both the standards coaches establish and the example older players set. The commitment includes early summer workouts, while captains help build the friendships and sense of responsibility that carry from one class to the next.
“The culture of camaraderie and friendship and just what it means to be a team, that comes from the leadership,” she said.
With Genis and Weidemann returning and younger players gaining experience, Caraway sees a bright future for Mars volleyball.
