![“[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)
Junior varsity girls volleyball defeated Crystal Springs Uplands School in two sets, 25-3 25-5, on Oct. 7.
Setter Emma Lee (11) opened the match with a dominant serving run, recording four aces and pushing Harker’s lead to 9-0. Middle Navya Madipuddi (9) blocked Crystal’s attack, extending the run. After a Gryphon timeout, outside hitter Selena Ghane (9) served a series of aces to bring the score to 14-1. Middle Maya Horan (10) hit the ball straight down after a Crystal overpass to bring Harker’s lead to 20-3. Setter Lily Ahluwalia (10) closed out the set with four aces, securing the 25-3 victory.
Despite the strong performance, the team recognized areas for improvement beyond the scoreboard. While Harker’s serves carried them to a decisive win, players felt their discipline could have been stronger. Middle back Maddie Avila (11) reflected that the team did not maintain the mindset they typically strive for.
“We went into the game cocky, and we kind of stayed cocky throughout,” Maddie said. “It didn’t matter for us because we were serving at them and they couldn’t receive, but coach was not super happy with our attitude. Usually, we have to sit back, relax, and remember to not underestimate our opponent.”
Harker carried their momentum into the second set with Maya Horan hitting a quick set from Emma to win the first point at 1-0. After a foot fault and net violation by Crystal, Maya went on a six-ace serving run, extending Harker’s lead to 11-2. Aarya Vaidya (10) completed a deep pipe kill at 16-3, as the Eagle’s all-around consistency continued. Selena served three consecutive aces to bring Harker to match point, and Abby sealed the win with a cross-court kill, closing out the set at 25-5.
Opposite hitter Abby Liu (10) highlighted the team’s adaptability throughout the match.
“We had a lot more freedom to run plays like swapping positions and having our defensive specialist play outside,” Abby said. “I’m pretty happy because each of us got to do something new and weird. Overall I had a good time and that’s what playing volleyball is all about.”
Harker accumulated 9 aces in the first set and 11 aces in the second set, marking this game as one of their strongest of the season. Head Coach Mason Ward commended the team’s progress this season.
“The team has grown very positively,” Ward said. “The more they work together, the more they’ll continue to grow together — whether it’s with attitude or emotionally. I’m really proud.”
The team holds a record of 11-1 and will play Sacred Heart Prep at Sacred Heart on Thursday.
![Sophomore Jessie Cao strikes a pose. “That feeling when you get a new skill, when you feel yourself improving on something you struggle with or when you overcome a mental block [is] really rewarding,” Jessie said. “As long as you push yourself and think you're trying your hardest, that's what matters the most.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/250918_jessiecaoapex_AshleyM_1-2-727x1200.jpg)
