Throughout the 2016 season, the Seahawk volleyball team bumped, set, spiked, and served their way to the top. One disadvantage the team had was a lack of height, but that didn’t stop Seward from emerging as a great defensive threat. Many teams across Alaska saw Seward as the underdogs; however, this became the year to prove them wrong. Once they were titled champions of the North South Tournament, schools from all over gave praise to these girls. Four-year varsity player Tia Miranda recalls people from other schools complimenting them as “a well put together team.” Also, she adds that the consistent wins made huge confidence boosts for the team.

Even after a fantastic season, the team knew regions was going to be a tough battle. They started with a bang, running into Nikiski during the front side semi-finals. Nikiski is always a tough competitor, but this loss was not the end. The volleyball girls moved to the back side quarter finals. With wins over Houston and Homer, the team took the third place region seat, paving their way to state.

It has been five years since the last time Seward has had a volleyball team advance to state. Though they came home without a trophy, the team brought back some amazing accomplishments. During the game against Barrow High School, Ashley Jackson and Maggie Adkins both received good sportsmanship awards, while Maille Moriarty was awarded Player of the Game. In addition, Ashley earned Player of the Game after the Monroe Catholic sets.

Seward High volleyball isn’t only about the wins and losses. Senior Tia Miranda reflects, “Volleyball taught me lots of things like hard work and determination.” She was thankful for other opportunities like building lifelong friendships through long practices and bus rides across the state. This season was definitely a great way to end her high school volleyball career.

Congratulations to all the girls who worked hard to show everyone that underdogs should never be underestimated.

(Wearing pink, rowdy rooters make spirited appearance to cheer on girls during their game for breast cancer awareness.)