![“[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)
Varsity girls volleyball team triumphs over Eastside in three sets
Emily Mitnick (10) tips a ball over the net in the varsity girls volleyball team’s game on Thursday. The team defeated Eastside in three sets.
September 27, 2022
The girls varsity volleyball team defeated Eastside on Thursday in a home game, winning all three sets 25-7, 25-10 and 25-9.
Harker quickly took the advantage in the first set, with Claire Kampmeier (12) scoring the first point and Rachel Ning (12) serving an ace. Within the first five minutes, the score rose to 9-5. The girls continued to score, gaining a 7-point lead through their communication and strong serves by Nat Tan (9), followed by cheers from the other Harker players. Eastside called a timeout, but the Eagles maintained their momentum, overtaking the set.
“I think we played very well, considering our starting middle was sick,” outside hitter Navya Samuel (10) said. “We missed a couple of serves, [but] I think we were able to set our hitters very effectively and we were able to manage how we played.”
The second half began with Eastside scoring. However, Harker quickly caught up through their strong blocking, often preventing the other team from passing the ball to the other side, especially by middle blocker Emily Mitnick (10). The set ended quickly, with Harker once again taking victory by 15 points.
“I’m really glad to see all the spirit and energy that all the people in the team brought,” spectator and ASB Spirit Coordinator Zubin Khera (12) said. “After every single point that we’d scored, there was always a roar from the people in the stands as well as the players. Everyone was really energetic and I’m glad that we could have such an awesome blowout.”
In the third set, the Eagles scored first, but Eastside quickly tied. After rallying with the other team for a bit, Harker widened the gap in the score, with Navya serving six aces in the set. Their efficient setting up and receiving allowed them to continuously score, solidifying their win in the final set.
“I liked the fact that we were able to run the middle, which in volleyball terms is passing well in order to allow the setter to set quickly in the middle,” Head varsity volleyball coach Teresa Smith said.
The girls play Crystal Springs Uplands in an away game today at 6 p.m.
