The Saguaro Sabercats have had to overcome a lot this season. From having a young team to the injuries they have faced, the Sabercats have not had it easy. 

The Sabercats have faced substantial injuries. They lost three of their starters due to injury, including one to an ACL tear during warmups during the third match of the season against Prescott. 

“It was a very winnable game,” said coach Tim Church.

The Sabercats had to accommodate. 

“We had to throw a lineup together five minutes later, and we ended up losing in five [sets] to a very beatable team,” said Church. 

The other two players were injured during the Chandler Prep Invitational Tournament on Oct. 4, each suffering serious concussions that will keep them from playing the rest of the season. One hit her head diving for the ball while the other got hit in the face with a ball after an attack from the opponent. 

The team was rattled and unsure how to react. However, they came together and pushed through on the second day.

“The second day I think everyone really stepped up,” said captain Emma White.

Losing starters can change the whole dynamic of the team, but the Sabercats were able to put it aside. 

“Everyone was really comfortable and overcame a lot,” said White. 

After losing the two girls to concussions, both of whom the coach requested remain unnamed, Church asked players from JV to step up to the varsity team. This added more young girls to this already young team.

Although young players mean less experience, they have been presented an opportunity to grow. 

“We have a lot to teach them and if they soak it in, it is really fun to see their growth from freshman year,” said Church. “From never playing volleyball to someone who literally falls in love with the sport and ends up being someone who plays year-round for the next four years and seeing how they turn out is awesome.” 

“Next year there are going to be eight juniors and hopefully everyone has gotten better and improved physically and their knowledge of the game,”  said White. 

Sophomore Madison Albertson has shown a lot of growth already this season.

“The older girls push us to be better players. It’s really good to have them,” said Albertson. 

Although they haven’t had many wins this season, they have grown as a team. There is hope that all of the playing time and reps these girls have done this season will show next season and result in more wins. 

A benefit of having a huge group of sophomores is seeing them grow individually and as a whole. One day when they are all seniors, they will be able to take a step back and see how far they have come. 

“When we are seniors someday, it is going to be so much fun,” said Albertson. “We will be able to see the growth and development from today.”