After graduating only one senior last season, the boys’ varsity volleyball team is ready to strike with seven returning players. With higher expectations to qualify for state, the team hopes to redeem themselves after a tough loss at the regional semifinals last year.

“Last year, we strayed a little away from staying focused on our goals because we didn’t have as many seniors and returning players,” junior and co-captain Jack Burton said. “This year, we hope to go farther in the playoffs.”

The boys have already started their season off strongly with a first place victory at the Hoffman Estates Hawk Invite and a third place finish at Wheaton Warrenville South Tournament.

However, the team is looking more towards the end of their season, which includes their Illinois High School Association (IHSA) regional and sectional tournaments.

“Central has one of the toughest sectionals in the state,” said Dean of Students Roger Strausberger, who is coaching his first year for boys’ varsity volleyball.

In order to prepare themselves for their upcoming games, Burton believes working on the team’s communication skills is essential.

“We’re struggling a little on battling off errors and getting away from getting down on ourselves,” Burton said. “We’re trying to encourage the team more.”

​On March 30 and 31, the volleyball players worked on their communication by traveling to Lake Geneva, Wis. for an overnight team-building camping trip, a first for the Volleyball team. Strausberger hopes to continue this new weekend trip as an annual tradition.

Senior and co-captain Jon Chiczewski, expects to end his four years on varsity with a successful season and a well-rounded team.

“Our team is very deep, so I feel that everyone is a threat on the court and deserves their chance on the court,” Chiczewski said.

The team hopes to rack as many fans on the bleachers today, April 29, for the team’s Naperville North match, and their regional playoffs, which begin the last week of May.