The Green Hope varsity volleyball team closes out a successful season, reaching heights they’ve never reached before this season: being in the Final Four. The girls played at four different playoff games, finally making it to the Final Four of the state championships.
On Oct. 21, the team played in the first round of the playoffs at a home game against Overhills High School. With a 3-0 win they were setting a continuous pace that led to seamless success.
The team played in the second round of the playoffs at an away game in North Raleigh at Millbrook High School on Oct. 24. The girls scored another 3-0 win with 25 points in each set, continuing forward with the same enthusiasm and force they exhibited at Overhills the week before.
With their two consecutive wins, the girls made it to the third round of playoffs at Chapel Hill High School on Oct. 26 as they aimed to make it into the Elite Eight. The girls scored with the same streak, scoring another 3-0 win and letting Green Hope into the Elite Eight.
Carrying the fierceness of their winning streak, the girls traveled to D.H Conley on Saturday, Oct. 28 as they played in round four of the playoffs, the girls scoring yet another 3-0 win against the Greenville team and advancing into the Final Four.
Belle Patrick (‘24), one of the team captains, spoke on the girls’ progression during the game. “It was really about mental mindset- as we won the games, we realized how good we actually are. That really boosted our confidence and our mental game, and helped us continue with our winning streak.”
Maria Munoz (‘24), another captain, highlighted the team’s strategies against tough competition. “Honestly, it was really about cooling down and taking a moment to assess where we were and what our best strategies would be. Throughout a game, it’s important to remember our team’s strengths and remember to apply them against the other team.”
Though the girls put out good effort, they were unable to win their game against Middle Creek in the Final Four round, losing 1-3, with a win in the 3rd set.
For Munoz and Patrick, the state playoffs was an exciting and memorable way to wrap up their senior season. When asked about her favorite part of the playoffs, Munoz reflected heartily, “It was definitely getting closer with the team and being able to bond with them, especially when we celebrated our wins. As a senior, I’m really sad but I think this was a great way to go out. We’ve been playing all 4 years of high school, and this is the first time we’ve ever made it to the Final Four, so it’s special.”
Though this is the last volleyball season for Munoz, Patrick has plans on continuing the sport next year as a Division I commit to Virginia Tech. “I’m really excited for that chapter of my life,” Patrick said. “I’m going to be an outside hitter, and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Though the 2023-2024 season has come to an end, the Green Hope varsity volleyball team will return next year for another great season.
