Shorthanded girls' volleyball thrashed by Cougars

SEPT. 3, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM--

The defending state champion Quince Orchard Cougars soundly defeated the girl's volleyball team today in three straight sets, 25-7, 25-16 and 25-15 to send the Blazers to a season-opening loss. The Blazers, who were missing three key players, were overpowered by a Quince Orchard squad who went undefeated last season and is slated at number nine in the preseason rankings by The Washington Post.

Blair had a rough beginning set, plagued throughout by miscommunications and unforced errors. The Blazers were never within six points and a solid ten point run in the middle of the set put the Cougars up for good. In the second set, the team looked improved and stayed close to the Cougars until the latter stages of the set. However, with the Blazers down just four at 11-7, Quince Orchard's towering front line took over and began to pound the Blazer's defense with powerful kills. Despite being down two sets, Blair showed life in the final set, staying within one for most of the early rallies. However, QO put the set and the match away with a seven-point tear to increase their lead to a healthy 14-6 and went on to a 25-15 win.

Despite being well behind on the scoreboard, Blair showed grit in staying with a clearly more talented team. The Blazers, who had just two subs compared to the seven on Quince Orchard's bench, were lead by seniors Yicong Liu, Kate Selby, Thaissa Souza and Kristina Yang, each of whom had to play all game. Souza, a setter, had some noteworthy shots during the course of the match, including a couple of excellent returns.

Coach Anne Garrison knew this would be a tough opener, but was proud of her team's effort. "I was really pleased. We played well even though lost a lot of seniors from last year." Garrison said her strategy coming into the game was to stay upbeat, and she seemed optimistic about the matches ahead. "Having seen this match, I think they'll be some really good games coming up."

The girls' next game is Wednesday, Sept. 8 at Poolesville, and their next home game is Saturday, Sept. 18 against Wheaton.