Cougars pounce on Blair

Sept. 3, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM—

After winning two games during the pre-season, the JV girls' volleyball team launched into the regular season with a disappointing 1-2 match loss. Although Blair started strong with a 25-17 win during the first set, the Quince Orchard Cougars defeated the Blazers in the second and third sets 25-12 and 9-15 respectively.

Blair began the night with a solid start. Blair's dependable passing was able to keep several of Quince Orchard's hits off the floor. With the score tied, Olivia Bozik made an impressive block, pulling Blair ahead 14-13. The Blazers' defense, in combination with consistent serving, allowed Blair to climb past the Cougars. Mimi Zou and Bozik served up eight and seven points respectively, including several aces to help the Blazers win the first set.

The second set started with the Blazers serving eight short balls that the Cougars were unable to return. However, the Blazers soon found themselves overwhelmed by Quince Orchard's equally strong serves and powerful hits. Blair had trouble digging short balls that constantly landed in the middle of the court. Likewise, balls served deep proved too much for Blair's back row passers. Late in the set, the Cougars seemed to back down, and the Blazers benefited from several netted balls. Despite Quince Orchard's errors, they managed to defeat the Blazers by 13 points in the second set.

With the score tied, the game was forced into a third set. Again, Quince Orchard answered Blair's free balls with a pass, set, and hit. Although Kagngn Op had several kills throughout the game, Quince Orchard's hitters showed greater reliability. The Cougar's fast-moving hits were often passed out of bounds by Blair, and consequently, the Blazers' offense suffered, leading to Quince Orchard's win in the third game and Blair's overall loss.

The Blazers' loss was partially due to the team's lack of an established setter. Blair's hitters were unsuccessful without the support of a player accurately placing the second balls. According to sophomore co-captain Alice Fan, the team's battle was a good way to start out the season. "We did well. It was a close game," said Fan. "We fought hard, and everyone tried hard."

Co-captain sophomore Wenjia Zhu agreed, "The first time we lose will be the last time we lose."

The Blazers' next game will be held at Poolesville on Sept. 8 at 6:00 p.m.