Staff claimed victory over students, 18-16, in Palo Alto High School’s annual student-versus-staff game on Thursday during lunch in the Peery Center Big Gym. 

The staff quickly jumped out to a 4-0 lead. The students responded by leveling the score at 4-4 and briefly shifting the momentum. Despite the students’ efforts, errors and a foul widened the gap, bringing the score to 11-8. The first set concluded with the staff’s victory at 18-16. The second set ended abruptly with the staff’s victory at 3-2 when the lunch bell rang.

The volleyball match sparked friendly competition between the staff and students while fostering a stronger sense of community. According to Campus Supervisor Mayerly Short, the friendly rivalry helps to make teachers seem more approachable.

“This student-vs-staff volleyball game makes it so that the staff doesn’t seem as authoritative, it’s just more fun for everyone,” Short said.

According to freshman participant Nicolo Resmini, a lack of communication was a reason for the students’ loss.

“The team was not communicating well, and our services were not hitting the correct areas the coaches were calling,” Resmini said. “We just need to improve that for next year. I thought our offense was okay, but our defense was not so good.”

According to Spirit Commissioner Arabella Guinle, events such as this lunch event are important to reduce pressure on students.

“It’s [rallies] are important, especially during the second semester, as school gets tough, especially for upperclassmen,” Guinle said. “I want people to let loose enough and just have fun. The school pressure is a lot, and through these events, it raises awareness that we’re all human, and it’s important to take and have fun.”