Heartbreak and High Hopes

Katie Roth
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!
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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.