Highland volleyball works to overcome mental stumbling blocks

Highland volleyball players are working hard to keep their heads from getting in the way of the game. Getting a handle on the mental aspect of the game can be difficult. Coach Martha Brinton said overcoming the mental road blocks is the key to a successful season. The talent is on the court, now they just have to work on putting everything together, she added.

“We look good. The girls who are on the court are the ones who have committed to the program, which is a comfort to me because I know their commitment level is there,” she said. “We’re trying to get the mental part of the game situated. We come out and beat teams by 10 points and then lose the next three sets. We’re trying to find a way to keep our mental zone there.”

The varsity team is made up of Lindy Hughes, Anna McConkie, Moti Finau, Leitu Collins and Ali Eggli. Nii Lehauli and Ashley Fonua are both competing for the right side position and Brinton said they have both been playing. Hughes and Eggli are the captains this year. Eggli has been battling an injury and her presence on the court for the remainder of the season is unsure.

Hughes said she and Eggli are working to help their teammates get past the little mistakes and keep playing. Small errors have been contributing factors in losses, Brinton said.

“We’ve really stepped it up from last season. We weren’t that unified last year and this year it’s made a difference,” Hughes said. “We’ve built a better team dynamic. It’s more about focusing on the next point and the opportunity to prove yourself.”

Although this team has yet to win a match, the offense is working hard and is one of the team’s biggest strengths. Brinton said getting the ball over the net is coming along this season although the defense still needs work returning the ball.

“It’s tough because when we’re playing a good defensive team, they keep putting balls back to us. Here’s where our mental weakness comes in - eventually we make an error,” Brinton said. “We have to learn how to keep our composure. When a team keeps digging us and the girls can’t get the ball down, the girls get upset. But that’s volleyball, it’s all about rallies. We’re trying to get them to stay in the rally and keep the ball on the other side of the net.”

Highland’s next road game will be on Sept 22, when the Rams take on Woods Cross. Brinton said she’s going to be working on mentally preparing the girls for every situation on the court during practices. She’s also relying on Hughes and Eggley to lead the team on the court and keep the momentum up.

“Worrying about what just happened doesn’t matter, no matter how frustrated you might be,” Hughes said. “You have to forget about everything in the past. It’s a very short-term game and you have to be ready for anything.”