2^nd Round Regional Match Part 1

            On Thursday of last week we faced Linn-Mar in our 2^nd round of regionals. We had the same record (27-11) as them and were tied, 1-1 in overall matches this season. They beat us in our first conference match, in 5 sets so we were really seeking revenge from that particular game. We prepared all week by watching film, reviewing their rotations and lineups, and improving our skills. We knew it was going to be a tough battle and we were going to have to stay strong as a team to get that win. We went into that game feeling confident because we had each other’s backs and knew we could do it.

            6 p.m. Thursday night we walked in the Linn-Mar gym and mentally and physically prepared ourselves for the match ahead. We did our usual locker room warm up and jammed out to music to get pumped up. We warmed up and before we knew it it was 6:45 and time for the national anthem and starting lineups to be announced. When the national anthem was playing and I was surrounded by my teammates and I looked up and said in my head please let us win this game, my teammates deserve this win. From that point on I knew I had to play for my team and leave everything on the court.

          When 7 o’clock came it was time for first serve. We started off strong with a 3-0 start but Linn-Mar came right back to tie it at 3-3. The score was really close throughout the first set but we let them get a few runs in the middle, and could never close that gap until the last few points. We ended up losing by 2, with the score being 25-23. The second match was very similar to the first. We had to work for every point, and every point mattered. The score was 27-26 Linn-Mar and what was clearly a carry on their side, counted as a point for them and they then lead the match 2-0. What happened next? Read my next blog to find out if Kennedy had the capability to come back and win.

Word Count: 367