Cougars Bring the Aviators to C-Town

In a thrilling match-up against two hometown teams, only one came out on top to prove their dominance. On September 20th, 2017 the HMSA Girls Volleyball team took on the Hawthorne High Cougars and it was 5-set game full of surprises, cheers, and disappointments.

The game started off with pure domination with our Aviators. The ladies took the lead very fast in the game, scoring multiples aces and not missing many serves. They were confident and poised throughout the first set and seemed unbeatable. They ended the first set with a staggering 25-10 victory that put a smile on all our faces with us cheering for every serve.

The next set began and things  really changed for Hawthorne. The game was more neck and neck as the match continued and neither team felt as if a win was secure. Hawthorne definitely fought harder and scored on some opportunities that our Aviators could’ve protected better. A few missed serves didn’t help out the cause. The game remained pretty close, but unfortunately Hawthorne took control towards the end and ended the set, winning 25-21.

Head Coach Mr. Kircher doesn’t have to say much to get his point across, however the ladies knew what they had to do. It was the time for HMSA to kick into 6th-gear and show Hawthorne who is boss. They did just that by starting the set perfectly with a 10-0 lead. This match was quick, but not easy, as the girls maintained long rallies with Hawthorne trying to come back and defend their home court. That was short lived, however, as the girls dominated with a 25-13 win.

One thing about getting in 6th gear early on is that you burn out much sooner. The girls did their best to set a message in the 3rd set, but they apparently forgot they needed one more to win the match. Hawthorne High saw how gassed our Aviators were and exploited the weaknesses. The girls fought back but they didn’t make it.  Hawthorne took control of us and we were defeated in a 25-19 loss.

The 5th and final set of the match was just like the previous. With the set only going up to 15 points as opposed to the usual 25, the ladies needed to stay strong all throughout. The match was relatively close . We sadly lost this amazing duel 15-9 with Hawthorne and lost the match 3-2. This is not to say they did not give their all. The girls fought hard and did their best. The Aviators only hope that we can take this loss and use it as ammo for future success.