by Dominic Fevrier, Sports Editor
The burning ember of hope to surpass the triumphs of the past burned ablaze during the men’s volleyball midseason match against Oak Creek. After constantly honing their skills under the pressure cooker of losses against some of the State’s best teams, the Hawks came out to Oak Creek expecting a win.
Preceding the Varsity’s games, I witnessed as the JV led their team to victory, boosting the confidence of the varsity team before they even stepped out onto the court. Then, with a long, drawn-out silence, dozens of eyes peered towards the court as the two Varsity teams took their places replacing their junior counterparts.
With a single overhead serve, the game was on. Spike after spike, block after block, the Varsity Hawk’s unrelenting offense relentlessly scored point after point against the home team.
The first three games were over as soon as they had begun (25-18). A small break preceded the second match in which the Indian Trail Hawks performed similarly to their first game, consistently stopping the efforts of the home team with ease and ending the game 25-19. The team’s confidence resonated throughout the gym as they stepped off the court, the squeak of tennis shoes echoed throughout as the two teams gathered in one last short break. Raising their hands together, the Indian trail team exclaimed “Hawks” triumphantly and walked back out, applause rocketing throughout the gym.
Needing to win only three out of their five sets, the Indian Trail Hawks stepped out for what would hopefully be the night’s last match. And a glorious match it would be indeed. With nearly every hit the home team could muster, the Hawks would block and return it with double the enthusiasm. Finally, as the night came to a close, the scoreboard shone resplendently 25-14, all three wins to the Indian Trail Hawks.
Cheers and triumphant songs echoed throughout the bus ride back to Indian Trail, their hopes for making it to State evident. When asked how a team full of great players played so well together, the Coach replied, “Don’t try to be the best on the team, do your best for the team.”
This statement perfectly intertwines with the spirit of camaraderie and teamwork that the sport of volleyball encapsulates and displays a great mindset.
Perfect for the team to continue onto State and beyond.