Supportive parents and enthusiastic students took their seats while upbeat music filled the gymnasium. Anticipation built as the ladies in purple quietly discussed their plan in a secluded huddle, nodding at Coach Mallard’s every word. The crowd of faithful student fans grew as the clock inched closer to 7 p.m. All decked out in purple, gold, and high spirits. The Bears Starting lineup included: Payton Busker, Ashley Cate, Anna Cathcart, Mady Daugherty, Phyllis Flatley, Kalyn Morgan and Kendall Sines. When each starter’s name was called in roll call, they threw their warm up shirts into the crowd, leaving their friends to tussle for a piece of the star studded team. Then the blaring buzzer sounded signifying the beginning to the season.
The game kicked off with a successful serve from Morgan, sending the ball to an empty spot on the Titusville Terrier’s court. First point to the Bears’. The bench jumped up and down, clapping and cheering on their fellow teammates. The Bears’ offense upset the Terrier’s defense with successful spikes by Daugherty and Cathcart just to name a few. Bears handled themselves with grace anytime the Terrier’s seemed to be creeping up on their lead by recovering and fighting back harder than ever. This determination ended the set early with a score difference of over ten points, 25-14 Bears.
The second set put the Bears’ defense on display. The Terriers’ offense was constantly denied the chance to score. Flatley was on fire initiating multiple blocks for the night from her middle blocker position on the court. Students and parents yelling her name could be heard all throughout the gymnasium. Morgan also saved the team with her quick saves, keeping the ball from landing out of bounds. Tensions were rising high on the Terriers’ side as multiple players became visibly frustrated with each other and their coach used their rest breaks to reassess their execution. The Bears’ capitalized on their weakness in communication and drove the match to end with an even larger score than the last at 25-10 Bears.
For the third and final set, Our ladies put the final nail in the coffin with another dominating performance. The teams’ main determination was to end the match as soon as possible with a clean sweep, winning all 3 sets. Both defense and offense exhibited great skill from the entire team putting a quick end to the set with a score of 25-10 again.
The Titusville game became a perfect opening to the 2023 Volleyball season. Throughout the game, the student section showcased their positive energy and love for the team. A good majority of the boys’ volleyball team attended, bringing their friends along with them. From cheering girls on by name whenever she scored a point or clapping at every advancement, all the students’ were happy to encourage their fellow classmates. The team seems to have been confident going into the first match due to the environment on the team.
When asked how she felt leading up to the game, Junior Emily Wattles, who has just been moved up to varsity this season, says she was “confident because of the community within the team.” Further expanding on the team dynamic she calls them “very close” and always supporting each other “during practices and games on and off the court.” Flatley, a junior and third year varsity player describes her feeling going into the first game as a “mixture” of both excitement and nerves. She says she “Just missed playing with my high school teammates… we support each other and bring so much energy, which make our games so fun.” A recurring theme from the players seems to be unity and friendship amongst the players. Showing that the team that bonds together, wins together.
With a tremendous win, the 2023 season is off to a fantastic start and with hopes the girls keep the same energy throughout the season.
