7th/8th grade collapses in second set, lose game

***Highlights Below***

No longer is serving the ball over most of the time, or returning balls most of the time good enough to win a game, let alone one set.

The 7th/8th grade girls had to learn this the hard way.

One week after winning in their debut, the girls could not overcome their mistakes in a straight set loss 25-19, 25-22.

This one might sting a little extra since the girls led 22-13 in the second set, and watched the other team rally for 13 unanswered points to take the second set and the match.

By no means did the girls play bad. In fact, one could argue they collectively played stronger overall than they did last week. Problem was, their opponent played better -- and didn't make as many mistakes.

For the most part, the girls consistently served the ball over, and were able to make some tough plays when the other team was spiking, tipping and hitting the ball towards them. But their inexperience and lack of chemistry as a team was apparent when they were losing points.

More than handful of times, two girls would both call for the ball and collide. They still don't huddle together after they score points and still don't communicate well on the court. After every few points they lose, the girls have blank stares at each other, basically saying, "I thought that was your ball."

For the better part of the second set, the girls were serving the ball over, communicating, and playing with some rhythm. That's what got them their 22-13 lead.

They then lost it by doing the exact opposite. Girls were out of position, looked rattled and most importantly didn't communicate. The players on the bench and their coach constantly encouraged them to talk more, but the six players on the court refused, and soon their nine lead became a deficit, and eventually a loss.

For the girls to beat this team, they are going to have to start being more aggressive and learning hot to set, spike and hit the ball. Their approach right now against tough teams like this require them to be near perfect on serves and returns. Tonight, they were not.

Playing a tough team should serve the girls better for the future as they now know what they are up against. Already they seem to have the skill set to do so, but the tough part is bringing their game to the next level, listening, and doing it consistently.

Their record now sits at (1-1).

GAME NOTES: Lots of alumni were in the crowd for tonight's game. Marissa, Emily, Melinda, Serina, Justin and Miles all attended tonight's contest...The other team had a girl who served 10 balls over, which turned a 22-13 lead into a 23-22 deficit...Belin made her debut in a St. Mary's uniform...For the second straight game, Mr. Mayfield did lines.