Ridgefield High School volleyball is finding its rhythm at the right time, with coach Sabrina Dobbs crediting improved team chemistry, mental preparation and consistent work in practice for the team's recent progress.
Dobbs said the Spudders have focused on building a stronger team culture rather than relying on individual performances as they prepare for the postseason. That mindset was fully on display in a dominant three-set win over the Woodland Beavers on Thursday, Oct. 22.
“I think we've been working really hard on our culture and playing the game together instead of individually and I think that's really helping us because we're starting to really thrive together,” Dobbs said.
Ridgefield's roster features a combination of experienced contributors and emerging talent. Freshman Daphne Hanes has brought power and a positive attitude to the court, Dobbs said, while also continuing a family connection to the program through her sister, senior captain Paige Hanes.
“She's definitely brought a lot of power and she's very positive. She's very coachable,” Dobbs said of Daphne Hanes.
The Spudders also benefit from the towering presence of 6-foot-7 middle blocker Piper Moog, whose height creates challenges for opposing hitters at the net.
“So with her and her height, just even having her in the front row, it's just scary to even, as a hitter on the other team, seeing that you're going to actually have to hit around a 6 '7 kid is like crazy,” Dobbs said. “It's nerve-wracking if I was a hitter.”
One of the team's notable performances came against Columbia River, when Ridgefield battled through five sets to defeat a rival that is hard to take down. Dobbs said the result was especially meaningful given the program's history against the Rapids.
“It was really nice to see my team just really thrive and really push past,” Dobbs said of the Oct. 12 marquee win over the Rapids. “We're getting better every time we play, so that was nice to see and it was evident actually in that match to show that we're actually improving every time we play.”
The victory has helped reinforce the team's confidence after opening the season against several tough opponents.
“This season we started off with several losses with some really tough teams,” Dobbs said. “I think it's been really evident today that things are coming very naturally to us.”
As the postseason approaches, Dobbs said the Spudders will continue emphasizing mental training, strength work and conditioning while maintaining the habits developed throughout the season.
“We're still doing our training and our strength training and we're still doing our conditioning,” Dobbs said. “We're still keeping our same systematic way to get through to state because that's our whole goal. We didn't make it to state last year and that's what our whole goal is to keep pushing forward and stay consistent on what we're doing.”
