In the blink of an eye, summer break has ended, and back-to-school for the 2026-2027 school year is in session. The semester welcomes the start of Malden High School’s fall sports, including girls’ volleyball.
On September 8, the Girls’ Volleyball team marked the start of a successful season with a 3-0 home opener win against the East Boston Jets—identical to last year’s home opener.
Dan Jurkowski, who has been coaching volleyball for eleven years, also organizes summer volleyball in the Finn Gym for incoming freshmen and returning players to practice and hone their skills. These summer practices allow the team to bond and prepare by the start of the season.
Malden and East Boston’s first set began with junior defense specialist (DS) Alexis Lee serving the ball. In no time, Malden gained a lead with 3 aces bringing the score to 7-4. The team’s energy was palpable, and each point or mistake was celebrated with enthusiasm, maintaining positivity.
“The chemistry of the team, whether we were on court or on the bench, remained the same—everyone was very supportive,” shared junior DS Meybelin Guadron.
Senior Captain and outside hitter (OH) Sherley Jeune and senior OH Maliya Kazadi, also a Lead Reporter for The Blue and Gold, showed their hand-eye coordination with strong hits and spikes, pushing the score to 16-8. Senior Captain Aaliyah Ferreira’s adept setting made these hits possible by skillfully angling the ball to teammates wherever needed. As a result, Malden won the set 25-12.
Despite breezing through the set, libero Xiaohui Li remarked not to “play down to the opponents’ level” even if it is an easily beatable team. “We still need to play our best,” she emphasized.
In the second set, East Boston took the lead with 3-1; however, Malden caught up with Junior Captain and middle blocker Hadassa Pierre-Rene’s unexpected tip, changing the score to 5-3.
From then on, the Tornados did not let go of their lead, rapidly increasing the point gap. Multiple points were earned through aces, highlighting East Boston’s weakness. However, Malden’s serving still needed work, due to several out balls and balls hitting the net.
“When we play teams that are stronger in our league, we are going to need to serve to score. Also, our blocking will have to continue to get better as we play teams that have more dynamic swinging,” explained Jurkowski.
Pierre-Rene stated, “Seeing as it was our first game of the season, there were definitely some nerves, but I know once we get into a rhythm our serves could bring us a lot of points.”
Aces from Pierre-Rene and Guadron, and spikes from Jeune, Kazadi, and Harrzaguia widened the difference to 17-10. Each player was quick on their feet, moving in coordination with the ball, ready to receive, set, or hit. Their sharp and strategic performance won them the second set, 25-13.
Jurkowski emphasized the importance of players having a “volleyball IQ,” claiming it helps the girls understand what’s happening, where they’re supposed to be, and what the other team is trying to do. “Even if our physical skills are still improving in certain areas, having that volleyball IQ really helps us,” he underscored.
As in the previous sets, the Tornados wasted no time asserting their dominance on the court. Lee, Li, and senior DS Raquel Ferreira showcased sharp reflexes and ball control, turning difficult serves and spikes from the Jets into clean passes for the setter. Their coordination kept Malden’s rhythm steady and allowed the offense to strike quickly. The Tornados led 2-1, which progressed to 8-2. East Boston struggled to regain momentum as Malden’s defense held firm and their communication remained strong.
Junior DS Vanessa Pham described the team bond as “amazing” and feels close to the players, making “every practice an enjoyable environment.” She continued, “Each girl is incredible and unique in their own way, making the team’s energy what it is now.”
Ultimately, the third and final set was won by the Tornados, 25-12, bringing the final score to 3-0. An opening win sets the tone for the rest of the season because it shows the team’s preparation paid off. It also gives players confidence, which helps them settle into their roles.
The team’s goals for this season are to make the year memorable for the graduating seniors, win as many games as possible, and make it to States and GBL.“Our top priority always is to have fun and, of course, win. I want this year to be as memorable as possible, especially considering it’s my last year,” expressed Raquel Ferreira.
“We want to come out of every game with our heads held high, knowing we gave 110%,” concluded Pierre-Rene.
About the Author
