The Blazers swat the Hornets in an exciting sweep

Volleyball block

Photo: Blair volleyball blockers in position for a spike

Blair volleyball blockers in position for a spike Photo courtesy of Olivia Pinkston.

Blair’s girls’ varsity volleyball team was unstoppable against Damascus, winning 3-0 to move up to 10th on the MCPS volleyball standings.

On Oct. 6, Blair’s girls’ varsity volleyball hosted a successful staff-appreciation night game against Damascus. The Blazers secured a win in straight sets, each one being just a matter of a few points, but were still able to scrape by and win all three. 

Although Damascus took an early lead in the opening set, the Blazers were quick with the comeback. Blair’s Poms team was at the game to cheer on the players and perform between sets. “We came back from being the underdogs in the first set, so I think the enthusiasm and supporting each other got everybody really hyped.” Freshman Pom Angelina Collado Thompso said.

Blair seemed to be playing a game of cat and mouse, consistently down at the beginning of each set. In the second set, the Hornets had twice the number of points the Blazers did before Blair focused and started scoring. After a doubtful call by the referee, the line judge went up and questioned the call. After some review, there was an exuberant celebration as he extended his arm toward the Blair side, indicating that the Blazers gained the point. Blair’s outside hitter Toftaa Fedhaa ended the second set strong with two aces, leaving the Hornets in a bad position.

By the third set, the gym buzzed with energy. Spectators were impressed with junior setter/right-side hitter Kahmyah Yirenkyi's performance, including Blair science teacher Marta Woodward. “She just hurled her body into the air and then slammed that thing down to the point where I thought it was gonna make a crater in the ground.” Woodward said, referring to a kill by Yirenkyi after a long rally. 

The team came back from the potentially depleting setbacks by hyping each other up, both on and off the court. The players on the bench contributed greatly to the win with their high energy and supportive attitude. After an especially impressive swing from middle Kiya Boggan, the bench orchestrated a cheer where they impersonated bowling pins, one teammate pretending to roll the ball and knocking them down. Freshman Junior Varsity Setter Stella Li was impressed by the performance. “It was really good volleyball… Blair had a really good team mentality and we also had a bunch of really good plays that involved teamwork,” she said.

The Blazers hope to be equally successful in their next home game against the Rockville Rams on Oct. 8. 

Tickets for the Blazers' next games can be found here.