MONTGOMERY, Ala.– Wednesday, Oct. 22, FHS Girls Varsity Volleyball played McGill-Toolen at regionals and lost a tight game with a score of 4-1. This loss prevented the team from progressing in the regional tournament and going to state.
“We are all sad about the loss, but that was most definitely the best we have ever played,” said Jayden Hernandez, manager.
Before the game, head coach Daniel Kalmar told the team the game plan. He spoke about how the team needed to be consistent to win the game.
“McGill Toolen is a very consistent team, so to beat them, we need to put pressure on them. We need to make our serves, and not miss them, especially at important moments,” Kalmar said.
Fairhope took the lead in the first point of the set with an ace. The Lady Pirates were neck and neck with the Yellow Jackets throughout the game, and the Lady Pirates pulled out a win with a score of 28-26.
“Our win in the first set was a huge deal since the last time we played them, we lost the first set 4-25,” said Addie Breazele, senior defensive specialist.
At the beginning of the second set, McGill began the game with five consecutive points, two of which were aces. The Yellow Jackets played consistently, and soon the score was 16-9. The Lady Pirates managed to fight back and get the score to 19-13, but in the end, the Yellow Jackets won the set 25-16.
“The loss in the second set caused us to lose some of our confidence, but we knew we still had a chance,” said Addison Cosgrove, senior outside hitter.
The third set began with a huge kill by Kenley Nelsey. The Pirates cheered for their teammate’s play. Throughout the set, both the Pirates and the Yellow Jackets played a tight game. Senior Addison Busby served two aces, tying the score at 17-17. In the end, the score ended at 25-21, with the Yellow Jackets taking the set following a huge kill for set point.
“It was a little demoralizing how close we were to winning the set, but I knew I had to keep a good attitude,” said Elizebeth Nienhuis, sophomore middle hitter.
In the end, the Pirates lost the game with the final set ending with a score of 25-22. The Lady Pirates huddled for the last time as a team in the gym, resulting in many tears, including some from junior varsity Coach Trey Collins, known as a tough guy.
Although the players are sad the seniors are leaving, they look forward to seeing their teammates at the annual volleyball banquet, hosted by Collins and Kalmar.
