Is it over?

It has been a while since the most recent volleyball game.
Many had came to our volleyball games and it was highly appreciated. The Baruch Volleyball Team never had many supporters cheering because we do not home games and it becomes a hassle for those who actually did want to come and support at other schools. However, many of these supporters came through and our team was thankful. Thankful to know that someone acknowledges our wins and our lost.
With every lost, I would feel a pain inside. I take loses and wins pretty seriously, and that is why I feel pain with every lost. I also take every win seriously and this makes me too hyper. Though with every lost, someone on the team would come up to me and say "Cheer up Peony! We will do better next time!" The positivity of the team was extraordinary and it made me think even more positively. My coach told me that playing games are not only because of winning, but try to have fun and find pleasure in playing the sports that you love. I have learned a lot from him and it will stay with me forever; whether it was him enlightening me about life or teaching me how to be a better volleyball player.  
But is the volleyball season really over? Technically, it may be over on the PSAL board but you can play volleyball anywhere, anytime and play with the people you love.
This Friday may mark the end of our PSAL games and it may be the last time that the team can all sit together, with our coaches and have fun. But I know that this is not the end.
I truly wish that the Volleyball season can continue, not only because I personally love this sport, not only because I enjoy the school's spirit, and not only because it is great to win, but because I was lucky enough to have amazing team members.Though this may be slightly unrealistic, I know that I had enjoyed my time and I have made amazing memories.
It's not over until it's officially over, so for now, I'll say: I LOVE YOU GUYS AND I'LL SEE YOU SOON!

Peony Cheng
(Senior)
Writer for Sports

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Definition of Team

Well, it has been a while since I've posted and I just felt inspired to write. First off, I hope everyone is doing well after being hit by Hurricane Sandy. Sandy is the first hurricane I’ve experienced and honestly, I didn't expect it to be this bad. (I don’t consider last year’s hurricane tropical storm Irene a hurricane.) Over 8 million people lost power and many homes were destructed. My heart goes out to those that have been affected by this natural disaster and I pray that all the destruction will be attended as soon as possible.

I don’t really know what my main point of this post is, but let’s see where this goes. Over the summer, I joined a church volleyball team and not only did I get stronger physically, but I also grew a lot mentally. Being a part of this team made me realize that team means family. You look out for one another, you all share the same passion for a particular sport, and you advance with one another.

In the gym, we practiced and practiced. There was little to no room for socializing. We had to make the best of our time to quench that thirst to play. That’s the sole reason why we joined in the first place. That family bond in the team only came with it as a bonus. At the end of the day, it wasn't skill that mattered. It was enjoying the moment with the team. I don’t know where I’m headed at this point, but I’m gonna keep on writing.

One day after practice, I was walking back to church with my team. I sat down at the table lost in my own thoughts. I couldn't figure out why this team was so successful compared to my school team. I knew it wasn't only because this team excelled in skills and had many wonderful coaches. I started to think about how family-like this team felt. The insiders, the teasing, all of the fun everyone had—it was so obvious that one didn't even need eyes to see it. The fact that this team didn't lack in communication was also a plus. Communication is essential to anything that involves 2 or more people.

So why couldn't my school team be just as successful? I’m sure the fault doesn't just lie in the fact that every year, skilled players leave the team as seniors. I've actually learned quite a lot from my evaluation on my season.

•         No matter how angry or frustrated you may be from a loss, you don’t ever have the right to take it out on your teammates. They’re a part of the team and they wanted the win as much as you did.
•         However, if you are on a team but you aren't willingly devoting yourself to the sport, you should really escort yourself out. No one forces you to stay and it’s not doing any party any good. You might not feel the need to improve, but your teammates might. It isn't fair to your teammates that are working hard every day just to get better.
•         Talk. Your team is just about as good as done if there’s no communication. Trust me on that one.
•         Encourage your teammates when they need that spiritual and mental boost. It helps more than you think it does.
•         A team is only as strong as its weakest player.
•         Accept your teammates and learn to bond with them. You’ll be playing with them for a while, so you might as well maintain a good relationship with them. Don’t pounce on every one of their flaws. Either work at it or accept it.

By Yei Ling M. 

**Personal note from writer: I originally began this post wanting to talk about how any team is a family but I ended up noting the mistakes my school team made. This is such a bad post but I didn't regret writing this.

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October 1st 2012 Volleyball Game

On the first day of October, we had our first game against West 50th. The game against them could have been our win. Throughout the first set, we were so confident. With every ace, we have players jumping up and down. With every ball that they missed, we all screamed out  "yes!" We were all pumped and ready to win that game, that game was ours. However, in the second set, we no longer had the type of game play we had in the first set. Players began to feel frustrated because of the opposing team's supporters. They were doing a tremendously good job distracting us. They had their own step team, stepping to a beat "Let's go Sea Hawks!" They began to scream when we missed a serve and some even started to jump rope on the side. However, the referee blew them away with his whistle. During the timeout, the team gathered and told each other that regardless what it is, we had to win.  Sadly, we were at a tie game once again, with the second set 25 - 23. We were determined to win this final set. Through a quarter of the final set, one of our best volleyball player got injured. As everybody crowded around Yeiling with her hands on her injured ankle, we realized how serious this game was. I personally could not believe our best receiver on court was hurt. Our coach, Jessenia, carried her to the bench and made sure she was okay. As she was being held up towards the benches, Shi Bei, another player on the team starts to cry and said "I've seen her get hurt twice already." The whole team was practically touched, our love for this team is unbelievable. But, the game had to go on. Syndey, a junior, substituted for Yeiling, and on court, the starting players gathered, put their hands in and screamed "For Yeiling!" The team was more determined from before that they had to win this game, but little did we know, a little part of each member died a little. Only 2 minutes into the game, another player twisted her ankle but because it was not serious, she got back up to play again. At the end, we did lose, and this time around, everyone's face was dark. No one wanted to look into Yeiling's eyes. We gathered in a circle and some of us cried, but this only gave the team more of a reason to stay strong and not lose any more games. Most importantly, the girl's soccer team came to support and we definitely got energy from them. Beside this sentimental game, we promise to bring and competitive and intense game in the future, so please come out and support. We need you.   

Julie Tang & Peony Cheng
(Freshmen and Senior)

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Volleyball - Come Support Us!

This past Monday, the 24^th, Baruch’s Girl’s Volleyball team had their first game of the season against Health Professions High School (HPHS). Although the game ended with a loss for the Blue Devils, it wasn’t quite as bad as many of the girls had expected it. The girls walked in the gym of Martin Luther King Jr. High School in unison of determination, anxiety, and excitement. They sat at the bleachers closely watching Pace High School play Martin Luther King in the first session. They weren’t only looking at the mistakes that players made, but the volleyball girls were also mentally noting what players were doing well.

The anxiety in each and every one of the girls rose as the start of their game neared. Baruch watched their opponent stride in the gym doors with confidence. Each team gave the other a good 2 minute stare down, trying to assess one another by their appearances. A sense of intimidation rose in the huddled group of Blue Devils, but they managed to keep all of their feelings inside, well.

The start of the first round was very chill and energetic. Balls were called, mistakes were forgiven, and encouragement was in the air. Baruch had lead until HPHS began to catch up and tie. It was a very close round, and it was evident of the determination that the girls had. It was pouring out of them. By the time the second round came along, the energy level wasn’t as high as the previous round. There were so many pairs of eyes watching the ball hit the ground and not so much of the effort to get the ball. With each thud of the ball on Baruch’s play area, I died a little inside. There was no difference from literally handing the points to HPHS with both hands.

As a member of the Baruch’s Girl’s Volleyball team, I think that this game wasn’t so bad. Yes, it’s not very pleasant to start off our season with a loss however, that just means that there’s room for improvement. There’s always room for improvement. We’re on this team because we all share the same thirst to play volleyball. Our team isn’t just a group of people put together to play gym volleyball. Our team is determined to make it to the playoffs. Please check out the girls’ volleyball game schedule and support your schoolmates by attending games. It truly means a lot to us, thank you very much! :)

Yei Ling M.

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The Blue Devil Newsletter - Issue 2

September 17th - 28th, 2012

Adapted from the original Newsletter

 by Alexiandria Cintron and Erick Criollo

 View original by downloading newsletter

Download Here

Blue Devils Fall Short To Lab

            On Sunday the 23rd of September, the girls played against Lab Museum at Randall's Island. When the whistle blew to initiate the game, there was a halt-- we had the wrong refs. We had to wait a couple of extra minutes until our refs came to start the game. Unfortunately, the girls got off to a rocky start and trailed   7-0 at the half. Things got worse when our goalie Mikaela re-injured her thigh. With no experience, Gentiana was brave enough to sub for Mikaela and did an admirable job in the second half.

Girls Varsity Soccer Team

            During half time, the players were dejected and frustrated with their performance. Although the team put forth their best effort, it was much of the same. The final score was 12-0. The score was not reflective of the effort that the Lady Blue Devils exhibited. All the players kept their heads held high. They now appreciate that through hard work and practice they will improve as a team. 

        

By: Brenda Almaraz and Amy Mot

Girls Soccer Team for the win against School of the Future

Amazing save by our keeper Mikaela

            Girls Soccer Team Brings Home A Win!

 Coming off a loss in their last game, Baruch was determined to notch a victory. Playing against School of The Future, the girls scored early and would take a 2-0 lead into the half. The team knew they would have to keep up the intensity in order to achieve their goal. Mikaela Bordonaro, the team’s goal keeper went down with an injury in the middle of the second half. Esther Turay stepped up to play goalie for her first time. As a team, we knew we had to support her by keeping the ball away from the goal as much as possible. With amazing saves and a stubborn defense, the Blue Devils claimed a 2-0 win. With many new comers joining the team, we are optimistic about the remainder of the season. Next game is against LAB at Randall’s Island.

Let’s Go Blue Devils!

 By: Kathy Chiam

S O S

I can’t believe we are already at the end of September. The year has gotten off to blazing start. Girls Volleyball and Boys and Girls Soccer are all in full swing with Winter sports right around the corner. Many of you have super busy lives, whether it is your involvement in extracurricular activities or other outside commitments. Here is a quote to help make this a smooth and successful year. “We don’t plan to fail we fail to plan”. Disciplined planning can help insure that not only will you fulfill your responsibilities, but you will do so to the best of your ability. I hope that you have an amazing year and that you achieve all your goals. Don’t forget to take some time to breath. A few deep breaths can do wonders.    

            

Start of Volleyball Season

            This past Monday, 10/24, Baruch Girl’s Volleyball team had their first game of the season against Health Professions High School (HPHS). Although the game ended with a loss for the Blue Devils, it wasn’t quite as bad as many of the girls had expected. The girls walked in the gym of Martin Luther King Jr. High School determined, anxious, and excited. They sat at the bleachers closely watching Pace High School play Martin Luther King in the first session. They weren’t only looking at the mistakes that players made, but the volleyball girls were also mentally noting what players were doing well.

            The anxiety in each and every one of the girls rose as the start of their game neared. Baruch watched their opponent stride in the gym doors with confidence. Each team gave the other a good 2 minute stare down, trying to assess one another by their appearances. A sense of intimidation rose in the huddled group of Blue Devils, but they managed to keep all of their feelings inside.

Girls get pep talk from their Coahes

            The start of the first set was very energetic. Balls were called, mistakes were forgiven, and encouragement was in the air. Baruch led early but HPHS began to catch up and tie the score. It was a very close set but Baruch came up short. Losing the first set took its toll on the girls. They came out flat in the second set Poor communication and effort caused many balls to hit the ground. With each thud of the ball on Baruch’s side of the net, “I died a little inside” said one of the players. “We literally were handing points to HPHS”.

            As a member of the Baruch’s Girl’s Volleyball team, I think that this game wasn’t so bad. Yes, it’s not very pleasant to start off our season with a loss. However, that just means that there’s room for improvement. We’re on this team because we all share the same thirst to play volleyball. Our team is determined to make it to the playoffs. Please check out the girls’ volleyball schedule and support your schoolmates by attending games. It truly means a lot to us, thank you very much!

     

Looking confident against Health Professions High School

Girls Volley during group huddle

By: Yei Ling  Ma

Third Time’s a Charm

            With a loss in our last contest, the Baruch Girls Volleyball team came out with extra intensity. We worked well together and the first set was close. A whistle blew and I looked at the score board for the first time and it was 27-25 in favor of Julia Richman. I couldn’t believe it. Our team did so well but came up a bit short. We started the second set with the same line up. We were all focused on winning this set. The team played tough but lost 25-15. Although we did not get a victory, our spirits remained high. Some of the team felt defeated and our manager Brendan said “This was just one loss, why are you guys so down?  You guys should be happy because you can learn so much from this game!” Baruch’s next game will be against SOF this Friday the 25^th at MLK. Come out and support!

By: Peony Cheng

Red Cross to the Rescue

Hi Baruchians!

            This year, Red Cross will be hosting many events like our annual Breast Cancer and Aids Walk, Blood Drives, backpack competitions, and so much more. A new event that we will be hosting would be a School Carnival, so stay tuned!

            BCCHS Red Cross Club will be recruiting members during the October Club Fair, so please sign up. Unfortunately, our old adviser, Mr. Morales has recently retired, but that doesn’t mean our club is going down. Give a warm welcome to our new adviser, Ms. Poole! Welcome to the club!

Tough Loss for Boys Soccer

            On September 19^th, The Baruch Boys Soccer team played match vs. Eleanor Roosevelt. The Blue Devils struck first when Justin Ramirez’s flying header soared over the ELRO goal keeper and into the back of the net. Baruch controlled the ball most of the first half but had a defensive lapse which allowed ELRO to tie the game. The Blue Devils scored again in the second half on a penalty kick by Erick Criollo regaining the lead. Baruch could not maintain their intensity in the final minutes and allowed ELRO to score 3 quick goals. The team definitely showed improvement, and an ability to compete with anyone in their division. Come out and see the team in action!

By: Daniel Dornbaum

Upcoming Games & Events:

October 16^th – BCCHS Club Fair

 Volleyball: 10/1, 10/3, 10/5, 10/9, 10/11, 10/15

 Girls Soccer: 10/4, 10/7, 10/11.

 Boys Soccer: 10/2, 10/3

 Cheerleading Tryouts – 10/2

 Check PSAL.org for game sites and times

 

From Your President

            Dear BCCHS,

Welcome back! I hope you had an amazing summer. It's great to see so many smiling faces. But don't worry, work is on the way. 

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the incoming class of 2016. You have joined an elite group of students who are ready to tackle the upcoming year head on. You are now an important part of the Baruch community, and we wish you the best of luck as you begin your journey. As for all returning students, you all know the drill. Clubs and other extra-curricular activities are starting, so make sure you jump on board. There will be a club fair held on October 16th in the cafeteria after school. This is a great way to hear all about every club and organization at Baruch. In the upcoming months there will be dances, pep-rallies, sports events and much more. With your help, they will be fantastic. If you bring your enthusiasm and passion to school each day, we are sure to have an unbelievable year!

Sincerely,

Daniel Dornbaum

Come Cheer With Us!!

            The Baruch cheerleading team is starting up again! For the past two years, the team has been growing and improving its quality. Last year we were able cheer at the Boy’s Basketball games. Ms.Kwan and Ms.Simon are awesome coaches and help prepare us with challenging practices. Our captains Allison Relyea and Ashley Hall also bring leadership to the team. They help create cheers and routines. The new cheer season is going to begin soon. Tryouts will be held sometime over the next week. Check the message board in the cafeteria for more information. We are hoping to find new cheer talents, and get more people active in our school. Every school can use school spirit, so come out for the cheerleading team! 

 By: D'andra Conyers

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