While the preseason started with hope, the sting of disappointment pains the Patriots’ varsity boys volleyball team. The 2014-15 season brought the team rough but much-needed experience.

“I think we definitely improved more as individuals,” sophomore Jonas Acebes said. “As a whole, we need to work on it more.”

After three triumphant games in the preseason, the Birmingham Community Charter High School (BCCHS)  team lost its stride and fell into a maddening losing streak. The only break they caught was during the three ties to Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School, Canoga Park High School and University High School. The Patriots were unable to defeat their rival, William Howard Taft Charter High School, in the two games played against each other. Thus, the team ended the season with the overall scores of 3-12-3.

Although the team has witnessed their hard work being slammed down in front of them, they have faith for the future. The Patriots hold their heads up and use their position to their advantage. Being out of the spotlight means having more time to refine skills rather than adopting sloppy habits as the result of the rapid acceleration to the championships.

Rather than being swept away by the shame of losing, the Patriots turned to each other. Volleyball is a sport that heavily relies on the other players. The court is compact and leaves little room for hesitation. If the team can’t strategize around their teammates’ skills, they can’t go far.

“Volleyball is really demanding,” Acebes said. “We need to learn to trust each other.”