Wildcats edge out Blazers

OCT 10, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM-

Blair Volleyball was beaten 17-25, 25-17, 16-25, and 20-25 by the Walter Johnson Wildcats. Throughout the close match-up, the Blazers were unable to overcome Walter Johnson's combination of strong spikes and a good service game. Blair was also troubled by poor communication, allowing the wildcats to take advantage of holes in their defense.

Blair, despite fighting back to win the second game, was unable to hang on to leads and rallies throughout the match. On the other hand, Walter Johnson repeatedly overtook the blazers, and managed to pull off key digs and serves whenever Blair threatened to take the lead. The Blazers seemed to lose focus at times, and according to Coach Anne Garrison, were not playing at their best. "Our service receive was not as good as it could have been," she said.

The Blazers did, however, manage to pull through numerous fast-paced, tight volleys, utilizing their talented front row, which consistently reacted to Walter Johnson's spikes with devastating blocks. Seniors Simone Viger and Emily Ramsay came up with excellent returns that scored key points for Blair.

The match did not begin well for the blazers. The Wildcats pulled ahead immediately, and put Blair in a 2-8 hole. After several key points, including an ace from sophomore Tiffany Yee, Blair managed to bring the score to 8-14, but was never be able to take the lead, and lost the game 17-25.

Blair came into the second game fighting hard, and quickly gave themselves a 2-0 lead. This lead swiftly increased, leaving Walter Johnson in the dust, and allowing Blair to take the game 16-25, the largest win margin throughout the match. After losing the next game, Blair returned to the court and struggled through a tense fourth game. Despite remaining close behind the Wildcats, Blair was unable to pull ahead, and lost 20-25.