Volleyball is a sport that has been around for longer than a hundred years. It was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan and originally called “mintonette”. The name changed due to the nature of volley in games. Volleyball was invented for people who found basketball to be vigorous. The use of hands from handball ball came from basketball, and the net from tennis. It began getting competitive when they introduced innings, from baseball (now known as sets)
Over the years as it grew more popular and competitive it grew to Europe, India, South America, Africa, and China. It was introduced to Europe by American troops during World War I. In Asia, it exploded, by 1913 it was included in the first Far-Eastern Games which were in Manila. However, it was in 1900 that a lighter and smaller ball was designed. This opened the different techniques available. A few years later setting and spiking were introduced it was known as the ‘Filipino bomb’ or ‘bomba’. As the new tactics changed, so did the rules.
In 1947 the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) was established. 14 representatives from different nations met in Paris to establish an association that would govern volleyball internationally. These nations included: Brazil, Belgium, Egypt, France, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Romania, the United States of America, Uruguay, and Yugoslavia. Libaud was the FIVB’s first president until 1984. Volleyball was first seen in the Olympics in 1964. And beach volleyball in 1996.
Today volleyball is known as a team sport played on a 9m long and 6m wide court. It is primarily an outdoor game but has grown popular indoors. It is where two teams of six players are on each side of a net. Both teams attempt to score points by hitting the ball on the ground of the other team. Each team is given three touches to get the ball back over to the opposing team. Although, a block does not count as a touch. The goal is to score twenty-five points and win by a minimum of two points. It is a valuable sport where you can learn about dedication, organization, communication, and teamwork.
Positions in volleyball are important. The outside hitter is most often the tallest and strongest player, they are positioned near the net to block the ball from the opposing team or spike it to the other team. They are the lead attackers in the offensive strategy. They have to be able to jump high, be adaptable, and be quick.
The setter evaluates the other team and controls the ball. They have to be able to set the ball perfectly for an attacking player. Communication is key because they never work alone. Setter makes spikes possible in volleyball.
The libero can be a more confusing position but easy to spot because they wear a different colored jersey. They can only play on the back row of the court and are the best person to receive a hit from the opposing team. The libero has a separate set of rules, such as, not attacking the ball at the net, and not placing a set for an attacker in the front.
The opposite hitter is also known as the right-side hitter. They have to be a balance of both offense and defense. They get a lot of opportunities to hit the volleyball, like outside hitters. What makes them different is their defensive responsibilities.
The middle blocker, also known as the middle hitter, is often the tallest on the team. Their main role is to be the first defense. They need to be able to read the other team and block quickly. Although, it is a lot of defense, they also play offense often as well.
The girls on the Davis High Volleyball Team this year have done amazing. The girls on the Davis High School volleyball varsity team roster are Seniors: Emily Walker (#1), Emma Robbins (#2), Anna Harkness (#5), Anne Downs (#7), Jenna Sullivan (#8), Loryn Helgesen (#9), Kennedy Thompson (#14), and Kayla Robinson (#30). Juniors: Anabell Briggs (#3), Leah Tuft (#4), Katie Reymer (#11), Paige Halliday (#13), Claire Hodgson (#16), Naomi Udy (#17), Avery Jensen (#18), Abigale Tanner (#21), and Olivia Checketts (#24). Sophomore: Pola Wong (#15).
The top stats for the Varsity Volleyball Team are Loryn Helgensen has 4.0 Kills Per Set, 0.311 Hitting Percentage, 213 Kills, and 314 Receptions. Anna Harkness has 2.6 Digs Per Set. Anabell Briggs has 30 Serving Aces, 0.6 Aces Per Set, and 127 Digs. Jenna Sullivan has 35 Total Blocks. Avery Jensen has 181 Assists. This year our volleyball team is ranked #4 in the 6A Region 1, #32 in the state of Utah, and #12 in the 6A Division.
Our seniors Emily Walker, Anne Down, and Loryn Helgensen are all important players on the Davis High School Team. Although Anne Down suffered from an injury from her club team in the spring and has yet to play this season. The team is working hard to be able to fill in her outside hitter spot.
Possibly the team’s most valuable player this year is Loryn Helgensen. In 6A Region 1, she is ranked #1 in Kills. In UT Division 6A, she is ranked #2 in Kills and #6 for Hitting Percentage. In the state of Utah, she is ranked #16 in Kills, and #17 for Hitting Percentage. This shows that she has done amazingly on the Davis High Volleyball Team.
We need to support our volleyball girls! They would love it if they had more support from our students. They have three region games left, and they are all home games. These games are Davis vs.
Fremont on Tuesday, October 10th, Davis vs. Layton on Thursday, October 12th, and Davis vs. Farmington on Tuesday, October 24th. The Senior Night is at the Davis vs. Fremont game on the 10th of October.
