![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
After a home loss against Leigh High, the JV and Varsity boys volleyball teams traveled on Friday to face the Rams of Willow Glen.
Although battling a short roster, the JV team started the evening with hustle and excitement before falling to the opponent in two sets. Immediately after the teams shook hands in a showing of sportsmanship, the music sounded, students began to pour into the stands, and the Varsity players stepped onto the court.
With deafening chants and large posters, the opposing fans attempted to irk and throw off the Eagles’ rhythm. However, with calm, encouraging words from coaches, managers, and captains Andrew Zhu (11), Joshua Tien (12), and Bobby Kahlon (12), the Varsity players focused on the upcoming matchup.
In the first set, the Willow Glen Rams came out strong and aggressive, finishing with a victory 25-20. However, pumped up by fellow teammates on the bench and classmates in the stands, the Eagles stormed back to even the score at 1-1, with a promising 25-23 win. During the third set, both teams fought hard with dives, hustle plays, emphatic spikes, and tricky sets. The Willow Glen crowd roared as their team won the set 25-23. The Rams then sealed the match with a 25-13 victory in the fourth set.
Although starting 0-2, the Eagles will have more opportunities to turn their season in the right direction with three games on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of next week against Westmont High School, Kings Academy, and Mountain View High School respectively. To finish off a grinding week, the Varsity team travels to Aptos to compete in an all-day tournament versus teams in the Bay Area.
“I think next week will test our mental and physical strength, and we will become better as a team,” Andre Tran (12) said.
With the first two matches at home, the boys volleyball teams expect much support from an already enthusiastic student and faculty crowd.
