Blazers burn Bulldogs; playoffs next

Blair outlasted a talented Churchill High School team on Oct 28, engineering numerous exciting comebacks to win the match 3-1. This victory solidifies the Blazers' ranking as one of the top three teams in the county and finalizes their regular season record at 12-2.

Blair outlasted a talented Churchill High School team on Oct 28, engineering numerous comebacks to win the match 3-1. The victory solidified the Blazers' ranking as third best team in the county and finalizes their regular season record at 12-2.

Despite the lopsided score, Blair did not play their best match, falling behind in every game and displaying communication and defensive problems. The Blazers also struggled with their serving game, a hitch that has plagued the team for much of the year.

However, Blair played impressively on offense, showcasing a deep front line full of hard, accurate hitters. The Blazers' back row did an outstanding job, keeping the ball alive and effectively setting up Blair's many offensive weapons.

The Blazers did not show up ready to play in the first game, falling behind 12-2 before mounting a brief comeback. The rally was cut short by Blair's faulty serving game but not before juniors Amanda Hsiung and Simone Viger, two of the Blazers' major scoring threats, got on track and began to contribute hard, well-placed spikes. Blair lost the game 15-10.

Coach Anne Garrison was frustrated with Blair's slow start and attributes it to a lack of mental preparation. "They weren't focused and they weren't ready for a tough competitor," she said.

In the second game the Blazers got off to another slow beginning, again falling behind 12-2. However this time the Blazers were able fight back, mounting an amazing 14-2 run that won them the game. Junior Emily Ramsay helped to spark the comeback by playing great defense and coming up with clutch blocks that swung the momentum in Blair's favor. Hsiung also had an impressive game, using her powerful hitting skills and agility to lead the Blazers to a 16-14 victory.

Blair played up to their potential in the third game, showcasing their impressive talent by grabbing an early lead and cruising to an easy 15-8 win. The Blazers played extremely well as a team, executing smoothly on defense and showing an incredible ability to keep the ball alive. Blair's offense overpowered the Bulldogs, but the Blazers still struggled to hit consistent serves.

Seniors Jeanne Yang and Debby Man took over the fourth game, dominating the court at their positions. Churchill was not able to handle the hard, accurate spikes delivered by Yang and Man played great defense, coming up with spectacular digs and foiling many of the Bulldogs' scoring opportunities. Hsiung also played well, spiking the ball effectively from around the court and pulling the Blazers together to hold off Churchill's late rally. Blair won the game 16-14 and took the match three games to one.

Hsiung believes that the youth and inexperience of the Blazers squad has lead to their inconsistent play. "There are two different Blair volleyball teams, the one you saw in the first game and the one that can do anything,' she said.

The Blazers have won five matches in a row despite the loss of star hitter Carey Bartlett, who will be out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

Blair adjusted to the loss by moving sophomore Christina Ji up from the junior varsity team, giving junior Lauren Wong more playing time and by implementing a new formation. Since the changes the Blazers have only lost three games and have won fifteen.

Although Blair had an impressive regular season record, Garrison believes that the team needs to work on their serves, communication and coverage if they wish to be successful in the playoffs. However, she does believe her team will have an extended post season run. "We have a really solid team. I think we have a good chance to get pretty far," she said.

Blair has already exceeded the expectations of many who dubbed this fall a rebuilding season before it started. The Blazers' 12-2 record is their best since they were considered a volleyball powerhouse in 1999 when the team finished second in the state.

Blair will not have to play in the first round of the play-offs, which will began on Nov 1, receiving a bye because of their third place ranking. The Blazers will play the winner of the Watkins Mill High School and Walt Whitman High School game in the second round.