7th/8th grade girls hang on for win in debut

***Highlights Below***

The 7th/8th grade girls overcame a disastrous second set, and won their first game 25-12, 19-25, 15-7.

This marked the first time these girls have played together as a team, and already, they have a victory to show for it.

After a convincing 25-11 first set win, they led 16-11 in the second and looked well on their way to win number one. But the tide quickly changed, as the girls were missing easy balls, not communicating and watching balls hit the ground point after point. They lost the set 25-19.

They were tied 4-4 when Aileen stepped up to the line in the third and final set, and she put the team on her back for eight straight points, as her overhands serves were much too powerful for the other team to overcome.

On match point, the teams went back and forth until the other team hit a ball right into the net. The girls didn't know what happened, and then realized a few seconds later that they were victorious in their first game of the year.

Of the eight girls in the lineup, only Cynthia and Isabella had ever played a volleyball game before tonight.

There was nothing too flashy or complex about their strategy. They served the ball over and returned well, and that was enough for them to come out of tonight's game with a win.

One thing they did better than previous 8th grade teams in their first game was their ability to go for three hits when the ball came over the net. They have already moved to that level in two short weeks, and as soon as they hone that skill, they'll be able to move toward skills that are more advanced, like setting and hitting.

The other team was also playing in their first game ever, and there were times when both teams looked confused. Basic things that they will learn with more experience like how to rotate fluidly, subbing, warming up, will all come with more repetitions.

Their biggest achilles heel currently is their togetherness as a team, and that led to periods of the game where both teams looked very unenthusiastic about playing. There were moments of chatter, but for the most part, the girls were not very vocal and that led to some of their shortcomings in set number two.

But with a game under their belt, they'll know what to improve on in week two.

GAME NOTES: This marks the second consecutive year a St. Mary's 8th grade team has won their first game together as a team. It's also the third year in a row that an 8th grade team has won the season opener...Isabella served both set point victories, in set one and set three...Sabrina became the first girl in her class to participate in a CYO sporting event...Mr. Mayfield did lines.