7th/8th grade survives scare, hang on to win

The 7th/8th grade girls led 17-7 in the second, following an impressive 25-8 win in the first set. All signs pointed to another easy victory.

But the other team, to their credit, rolled off 10 straight points and went neck and neck with the 7th/8th graders and tied the game at 17-17.

A lot of the errors the 7th/8th graders made were self inflicted and also a byproduct of them trying to win points a certain way.

Instead of just bumping the ball back over the net, each time the girls get the ball, they try to set up a bump, set and spike. So at times they give up some points they normally don't give up, as was the case in the second set.

The game remained tied at 22-22 until the girls forced a sideout and Fiona closed out the set with two straight serves to preserve the third victory of the season for the 7th/8th graders. 25-22 was the second set final.

Edwena once again served the girls out to a 10-0 lead, and Victoria picked up from there. At one point, they lead 16-0.

In the second set, Edwena hit the 10 serve limit again.

Cynthia had a nice game by the net and made two very difficult tips early in the match. Ivy had a very strong first set and hit the third ball on two occasions over her head for points in set one.

Even though it's been only three games, the girls have already solidified their spot in the division practically guaranteeing themselves nothing worse than a number two seed in the playoffs.

With only five teams in their division, four make the playoffs, and they have already beaten three of the four times.

The competition is not as strong in their division as in previous years, but a lot of it has to do with the way the 7th/8th graders are playing.

No longer does anyone have to worry about a serve going over the net, because each girl is pretty much guaranteed to get the ball over. And against other teams that aren't as experienced, it's a big advantage.

Their next game is likely to be a playoff preview as they will go head to head with the other undefeated team in the division.