Entering into Tuesday night’s match, the girls knew that beating the District 6 reigning champions, the Lady Bald Eagles, would be a challenge. With a game plan set in stone, the girls came in with hope and confidence of dethroning the Bald Eagles.

In the first set, the Lady Eagles fell to BEA 25-12.

“There wasn’t a lot of feedback or communication (to one another). We are at our best when we talk with one another,” said senior Kylee Gooding.

“I think we [should] start the game more aggressive and execute plays more efficiently,” commented junior Ebonee Rice.

In the second set, the Lady Eagles started to wake up towards the end, but it was too late with the ending score being 25-16.

However, in the third set, the Lady Eagles came out as a completely different team. At one point, the Eagles were in the lead 9-3.

“We started communicating more, our defense improved, and we played for one another instead of the people in the stands,” said Gooding.

Despite the comeback, the Lady Eagles fell in the third set 25-23.

Gooding led the team with 8 kills. Brianna Foy followed behind with 4 kills and Makenna Bauer with 3. Foy lead in service points, gaining 7 points for the team. Mattie Cherry had 16 assists and Rice had 10 digs.

“Bald Eagle is a state playoff level team and we competed right with them tonight at times, especially in the third set. Despite the loss tonight, a lot of confidence was gained. We will be ready next time around in October. We just have to find a way to increase the effort, energy and intensity a little bit more in the practice gym,” said Head Coach Mike Kraft.

Sophomore setter Mattie Cherry commented, “Obviously we didn’t walk away with the outcome we wanted, but I still feel like there were so many positive things to come from that game. At no point did we ever give up, and not only were we in every game, but got better every game. I was really happy to see that everyone was mentally checked into the game. Even when things weren’t going great, we fought to get the next point. They are a top level team, and it’s good to see where we stand against them early in the season.”

With a record of 1-1, the girls will next face Penns Valley at home this Thursday. JV starts at 6pm and Varsity at 7pm.