Herndon Girls Volleyball Victorious Against Centreville, South Lakes
By Bella Ghile, Finance Officer
Sitting two steps up on the bleachers, volleyballs are bound to whizz past you. However, at the risk of getting hit, an up-close seat made for an exhilarating look into the intensity of the game.
In the first set, Centreville and Herndon were neck and neck. Each team’s players kept themselves on their toes, only looking away from the game to see the referee’s hand signaling whether they won a point.
As the set continued, the team was able to flow with great agility. Midway through, Herndon trailed behind by just one point, 14-15. After a quick break to reconfigure their game strategy, they found themselves scoring a point right after, evening out the game at 15-15. Herndon’s first set ended with a 6 point lead, resulting in 25-18.
Lexi Ruffin, #5, attributed her teams’ chemistry and successes to “how everyone genuinely wants to be around each other, [and] always looking for ways to hang out and support each other.”
Off of the court, the team welcomed an onslaught of support from players on the bench. Each substitution was met by two high-fives in unison from each on-the-court player and off-the-court player. Similarly, on the bleachers, parents and friends of the players would share their support through every point gained, whether through foot-stomping or clapping their hands. Each Herndon volleyball player was buzzing with energy, and were beaming with excitement to play the sport they do best.
The start of the second set was just as exciting. The second set could be compared to a game of tug of war, with each point scored, one point was lost. As the second set continued, the stadium rumbled as Herndon scored their twenty-second point, and claimed a twelve-point lead. The last point of the second set was handled by a mix of teamwork and a smashing slam by Phoebe Adams, #9, marking Herndon’s twenty-fifth point.
Storming into the third set, Herndon was feeling confident. Centerville was unable to make the necessary hits that they needed to win the set. Finally, Centerville took a break when the scoreboard read 11-2, nine points behind. It was a stark contrast from their performance in the first set.
The final score for the third set was 25-10, Herndon, topping off an absolutely outstanding night for Herndon.
Fueled by the energy they created in their victory over Centreville, Herndon’s momentum endured against South Lakes during their Thursday night home game. Herndon maintained a powerful lead during the first set, culminating in a fifteen point lead, 25-10. This first set highlighted Herndon’s powerful hold over South Lakes.
Roaring out from the bench and the crowd was Herndon’s gamely tradition of chanting “She’s a Freshman,” in respect to Shyla Shope, #12, the only first-year to land a spot on the varsity team. The entire team, mainly made-up of seniors and juniors, chanted this during the first set when Shyla first stepped up to serve. Jaden Hauptmann, #4, accredited the Herndon Girls Volleyball team’s great attitude to the team members themselves, who she considers “the most supportive and positive group of girls that I have ever played with.”
Herndon carried an air of confidence into the second set. However, South Lakes was able to gain a slight upper hand. But despite a momentary opportunity to close the gap, South Lakes could not hold the lead against Herndon. Every time Herndon scored another point, it was welcomed as an expectation rather than an anticipated relief. There were quicker huddles, quicker cheers, and aloft gazes. As the second set progressed, the gap widened. The second set ended 25-15, Herndon.
In the final set, Herndon carried on in their rush towards victory, with the crown jewel being a crowd-pleasing smashing attack courtesy of Akasha Anderson, #3. Herndon finished off the game with a 25-11 set in their favor.
In both of last week’s games, Herndon’s Girls Varsity Volleyball team made the best of their thriving teamwork, incomparable skill, and determination to rise to the top, gracing the crowds with energizing victory after another. More great results are expected for the remainder of their season, which continues throughout the fall.
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