by Luke Saliga

Football, hockey, and soccer are the traditional powerhouse programs at HHS, but they have to move aside for an upcoming team, the varsity girls volleyball team. The team has had a recent spike in players signing up, and the rosters are as full as they can get.

“There was over 60 kids that signed up this year,” said Chelsea Scovil. “It’s hard to get everyone in, in one game.”

Because last year’s team won the division and made it in the second round of the playoffs, it is not surprising that more kids are interested in playing.

“It is going be tough doing what we did last year,” said senior Laura Hydro. “We lost a lot of seniors, and they were not just players one could replace in a day.” The Hawks lost seven seniors, four of which were starters, so they have some work to do filling all those spots.

There is one factor this year that might change the Hawks’ luck, new head coach Jennifer Wessel. “I am glad to be coaching for Hudson,” said Wessel. “All the girls are really excited and hope to have another great year and so am I.” Coach Wessel has had success wherever she goes whether it was going to the playoffs in Clinton or turning around the Maynard team.

The strengths of the team are very noticeable even after watching one game. “We are great at getting volleys going and keeping the play alive,” said Wessel. “They have kept us in a lot of close games and saved our strikers once or twice.”

The Hawks do have some weaknesses though. “Our strikers have had trouble getting points. They just aren’t getting to the net fast enough to make any blocks,” said Wessel. “We lost some strikers last year, and we have had a tough time filling the hole they left behind.” The team has been able to overcome their offense struggles, as shown by their 3-2 record.

Even though they just got beat by their rival Marlborough, the team still has good hopes for the season. “We got beat pretty bad. I believe we still have a chance to do something special this year,” said Coach Wessel. “We have a tough schedule, but I think we can manage it .”