A recurring theme of our conversations with most high school coaches has been the importance of practice setting the tone for a game. Poly girls’ volleyball coach Leland McGrath told us his team had a less than stellar practice on Monday, which is probably why the newly Top 10-ranked squad struggled against the Millikan Rams in the first set of their four set victory.

The Jackrabbits struggled in the opening set as Millikan used aggressive service to take Poly out of its passing game.  But when the ‘Rabbits found a rhythm, they found it in a big way with middle blockers Saitaua Iosia and Latara Kiet. 

The Poly girl’s volleyball team used a 10-0 run in the second set at Millikan on Tuesday to dispose of an feisty Ram squad, 22-25, 25-12, 25-13, 25-10.  Iosia and Kiet played big roles in the 10-0 run, but truly ruled the court in sets three and four as they combined for nine kills and four blocks while Poly out scored Millikan 50-23.  Fellow sophomore Bria Russ lead the way for the ‘Rabbits with 16 kills and three service aces.

If you’re noticing a pattern, the ‘Rabbits are very young.  That youth has helped and hindered Poly’s ability to maintain intensity on the floor.  Coach McGrath and his girls will have to remedy that sickness soon, because on Thursday they take on Number 2 Wilson Bruins on Thursday, at the Poly gym.