photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

The Veritas Christian volleyball team moves to the ball after a diving save from junior Nyah Everhart against Bishop Seabury on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Bishop Seabury Academy.

The Veritas Christian volleyball team has had much to figure out this year. After a large senior class departed last season, coach Tyler Clements said this year has been about learning to trust one another in different situations.

On Thursday night, the Eagles competed in a triangular against Kansas City East Christian Academy and Bishop Seabury Academy, coming away with two wins in four total sets.

The Eagles’ night included many things, but one of the best parts of the wins was what it didn’t include: service errors. Clements said that this was his team’s best night serving and that the performance could be something to build on.

“We’ve had flashes (of good serving), but tonight it was just consistent,” Clements said. “It just snowballed into good, clean volleyball.”

Clements said that he’s seen the team perform well at times, but it was good to see them put it all together and ride the momentum of a game.

Against Bishop Seabury, the Eagles controlled the game for almost the entirety of the two sets. The Eagles started with a 6-0 run that eventually became a 12-6 lead. The team went on a 10-4 run before winning the first set 25-12.

Veritas Christian started with a 5-0 lead in the second set, but the team fell on its only slump of the night when the Seahawks stormed back with multiple aces from Livia Roesler. The two teams were tied at 7 when the Eagles rattled off a 12-2 run to regain control. The Eagles then finished with a 25-18 win to defeat their rival in two sets.

The games showed progress in the team’s trust. For a group that’s still learning to come together one month into the season, this is a good sign.

“I think finally they’re starting to figure it out,” Clements said. “As much as you practice technique and fundamentals, once you get into game situations, it’s about who you trust to get that third touch over the net. Who do you trust when things are going crazy to bring the positivity to get out of the hole?”

That was the last time senior Charlotte Clements would play her high school rival, and it felt good for her to make sure that it ended with a win for the Eagles. Her growth as an outside hitter has stood out to her coach and is making all the difference for a team that has needed more players to step up as leaders.

Charlotte Clements said that the team works hard to build their bond. After losing so many key players last year, she was skeptical about how the season would go. So far, the results have been positive.

“The new players coming up have so much energy,” she said. “We are really working together well. Nobody is really too timid, which really helps the energy. Nobody gets in their head.”

There is still a lot of work left for the Veritas Christian volleyball team. With playoff and state-tournament hopes, the team has their work cut out to get there. But Thursday night was a step in the right direction, and the team wins are a substantial momentum boost as the season progresses. After all, there’s nothing like playing your best game to beat a rival.

“That was the last time I’ll get to play Seabury,” Clements said. “It’s always good to beat Seabury.”

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Bishop Seabury junior Xeva Oldridge leaps for a kill against Veritas Christian at Bishop Seabury Academy on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Veritas Christian’s Jada Grimes bumps the ball to a teammate against Bishop Seabury on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Bishop Seabury Academy.