A Growth Opportunity!

The Tigers found themselves playing Friday against the Franklin Road Academy Panthers. The Panthers have height, defense, and a great setter and the Tigers needed to find a way to break through their defense. Throughout the first set the score stayed tight, with both teams trading points and preventing the other from going on a major run. The Panther’s serve-receive kept the Tigers from racking up the aces, but Clementine Meador ‘31, Kelliana Olson ‘31, and Maddie Kim ‘31 were able to break through and get an ace each! The Tigers had flashes of brilliance, but they weren’t connecting all three great touches in one possession. At one point Kate Jahangir ‘31 tipped the ball short in the air, Maddy McKnight ‘31 made the scramble pass, and Lauren Koethe ‘31 adjusted for the kill! While not the cleanest, the Tigers stayed in the game with grit and determination to get the ball over the net! The most cohesive play of the set was when Cece Vogt ‘31 received the ball from the middle, Kelliana Olson ‘31 set back to middle, and Cece had a deep hit for the kill! In the end the Panthers were able to keep the slightest lead and won the set, 23-25.

In the second set the Tigers faced off a stronger Panther defense and battled to bounce back. The rallies from both sides were super fun, but the mental focus it took had the Tigers. While the kills weren’t coming easily or as frequently, Clementine Meador ‘31 had some great passes to the setters, Maddie Kim ‘31 and Kelliana Olson ‘31, which led to two kills from Cece Vogt ‘31. Despite some shining moments, the Tiger’s struggled to get on the same page and work as one against the Panther’s tough defense. The Tigers lost 15-25.

The Tiger’s individually had some amazing plays, offensively and defensively, however they were making those plays at different times. As they gain more experience playing together against tough teams they will find their collective rhythm and be more prepared! Despite the end of the match, the rallies were so fun and the Tigers continue to make strides in all facets of the game! Keep believing in the process and keep supporting each other in the tough moments! Let’s go Tigers!