Heartbreak and High Hopes
The Tigers played with ferocity and focus in an exciting first set, but Pope Prep had some amazing serves deep along the back line, which put the Tigers on their heels. USN lost the first set 20-25. The second set found USN down early and then they could never find their groove, with Pope Prep maintaining momentum well throughout the second set, leading to a hard loss 14-25.
The Tigers went into this Play-In game with confidence and focus. The first set reflected that mindset. From the beginning of the game Savannah Ross and Jeannie Jansen were aggressive in the front row, finding ways to move their feet and spike the ball whenever they could, each earning a kill in the process! In addition to being aggressive on the net, the Tigers relied heavily on the back row to make plays with Pope Prep sending balls deep. Layla Omary provided much needed defensive coverage. Layla was able to run, dive, and slide all along the back row and sometimes into the front row, always providing the Tigers with the extra touch and effort. In addition to aces from Mahalia Moore and Anna Brook the Tigers found themselves always close to Pope Prep, but the Tigers were never able to close that gap. Despite some amazing plays, long rallies, and awesome cheering, Pope Prep was able to earn the win and USN found themselves down a set, 20-25.
The second set started off the same way, with the Tigers trading point for point with Pope Prep. However, as the rallies got longer the Tigers found themselves not finishing out the play, leading to untimely mistakes. This started a snowball of miscommunication and rough plays by the young Tigers. As the gap between the scores grew it became apparent that the young team felt the pressure and began to play tense. Liliane Bayat-Mokhtari tried to boost the team’s spirits with a timely pair of aces and the Tigers seemed to pick up some momentum. After a small offensive run and some great diving plays by Layla Omary the Tigers seemed to settle into the second set. But soon enough Pope Prep went on a serving run that the Tigers found the too big to overcome. Pope Prep finished the set with intensity and focus earning them the second set win, 14-25.
It was a hard loss after an amazing season. This team showed grit, determination, and a deeper understanding of how the season is a marathon, not a sprint. Each game, each practice was an opportunity to get better and throughout the season this team got better every time they touched a volleyball. In the end this loss was painful because this team believed in themselves and had the confidence to play to win. High expectations can lead to the hardest heartbreak, but there’s no doubt in my mind that this will make this group of players stronger and teach them to trust the process. Good luck Tigers in your next season and hold this season dear to your heart so you can grow from its failures and successes! Go Tigers!
Back
The second set started off the same way, with the Tigers trading point for point with Pope Prep. However, as the rallies got longer the Tigers found themselves not finishing out the play, leading to untimely mistakes. This started a snowball of miscommunication and rough plays by the young Tigers. As the gap between the scores grew it became apparent that the young team felt the pressure and began to play tense. Liliane Bayat-Mokhtari tried to boost the team’s spirits with a timely pair of aces and the Tigers seemed to pick up some momentum. After a small offensive run and some great diving plays by Layla Omary the Tigers seemed to settle into the second set. But soon enough Pope Prep went on a serving run that the Tigers found the too big to overcome. Pope Prep finished the set with intensity and focus earning them the second set win, 14-25.
It was a hard loss after an amazing season. This team showed grit, determination, and a deeper understanding of how the season is a marathon, not a sprint. Each game, each practice was an opportunity to get better and throughout the season this team got better every time they touched a volleyball. In the end this loss was painful because this team believed in themselves and had the confidence to play to win. High expectations can lead to the hardest heartbreak, but there’s no doubt in my mind that this will make this group of players stronger and teach them to trust the process. Good luck Tigers in your next season and hold this season dear to your heart so you can grow from its failures and successes! Go Tigers!
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
-
HS Quiz Bowl continues success, qualifies for nationals
The Quiz Bowl team won second place in the South Warren Spartan Open tournament, qualifying the team for the 2026 High School National Championship tournament. Congratulations to Basil Broemel '28 and Jasmine Horwitz '26 for placing seventh and ninth, respectively.Read More -
USN restarts composting program
Students and faculty have resumed composting at USN. Through collaboration, persistence, and student leadership across all divisions, the program has already gotten off to a great start.Read More -
Winter weather reminder
Read MoreShould snow or ice alter the school day, expect to receive a USN Alert by 5 a.m. This information will also be posted on the usn.org homepage and the school's official social media accounts, as well as shared with local broadcast stations. Be sure your wireless number is listed correctly in the usn.org directory to receive USN Alerts. Also, share your snow day fun by emailing socialmedia@usn.org or using #USNsnowday; we especially appreciate photos of the USN community wearing school gear.
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
USN Mission:
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.