Seffner Pre-Season Classic (vs. Plant City HS): Let's Play 5

In our second pre-season match at the Seffner Classic, our Chargers squared off against another large Hillsborough school, Plant City High School. Even realizing that this team was not quite on the same level as our Tuesday opposition (Armwood), we would not take them lightly, understanding that this too would be a dogfight, particularly due to the all-around play (and hitting) of #1.

Game 1: Showing none of the nerves displayed on Tuesday, Becky started game 1 in picture perfect fashion- an ace! Though the game would not be won so easily, behind the consistently placed attacks of Chantal , the serving and setting and Becky , and solid play from all of the girls who played, we put the first "W" in the books, taking game 1, 25-19

Game 2: Plant City came out firing and we never got off of our heels to move where we needed to be quickly enough. Passes were off line, serves were ineffective, and mostly, we did not communicate well enough. Final score, 13-25.

Game 3: In a wonderful response to a situation that could have gotten out of hand very quickly, our girls responded in true Charger fashion in game 3. We were pushed early, falling behind by 5 about a third of the way through, but dug our way out of the whole to seize control. Tori, Natalie, and Nicole led the attack, as Becky provided a consistent string of balls for them to attack. Final score, 25-17.

Game 4: In what was a "back-and-forth" match all night, both in games and stretch runs within games, Plant City once again answered the bell as they came out strong in game 4, behind the attacks of #1 and the tough deep serving of several players. Though never really showing any quit, we were unable to put the match away, falling, 14-25.

Game 5: Every game 5 is a sprint. It's something you'll hear from me for as long as I'm around this sport. Jumping out to an early lead, even 2-0, is huge, particularly if that early head start comes from a side-out/serve combination. On this evening, even though we had our best server of the night, Becky, leading us off, we were unable to capitalize. Going into game 5 we understood their game plan was to feed #1 a steady diet of balls to the middle, particularly off of quick run sets. Our goal: prevent this from happening as much as possible by controlling where the ball was being sent over to City. On this night, the game plan of Plant City was executed more effectively than was ours, as we fell in the final game, 9-15.

Game notes: Game ball winner - Natalie...Junior, Chelsea, overcame an early injury to make solid contributions...Tori found her stride again...Becky paced the team all night with her serves, leading the team with 5 aces...Chantal led the team in hitting percentage...Madi and Nicole led the team in serve percentage

Final Thoughts: This was a very well-played match, overall. We had some inconsistencies throughout, and will learn to put teams away when we are in that position. Though we have a senior-laden team, we are, in my mind, a 'young team.' The team is adjusting to many new things and we are going through big transitions. The quality of play showed that we are moving in the right direction. It is a long season, and we will be patient throughout; our time will come. Wins are very nice, and, if we continue to progress the way we are capable of, then we should see more games like 1 and 3 from last night.

Seffner Pre-Season Classic (vs. Armwood)

In the first of two pre-season, tune-up matches to be played by our Varsity Charger Volleyball team, we squared off against a very solid team from Hillsborough County, Armwood High School. Drawing from a student high school population roughly 10 times the size of our school, they had good depth across the board.
For us, this would be a good measuring stick to see how far we've come so far (through summer, camp, try-outs, early season practices) and where we are aiming to go to achieve our goals.

Game 1: Playing a bit frantic, shaking off the nerves typically associated with the first time one steps on the court, we took a little too much time to acclimate, falling behind early and dropping the game, 25-12.

Game 2: With the initial shock of playing someone other than their own teammates and/or coaches in a place outside our own gym, the girls came out much more comfortable, hanging with Armwood point-for-point in the first half of this game. Behind a strong service run by an Armwood player, they were able to pull away at the end and win game 2, 25-17.

Game 3: Not ready to pack our bags and go home, the girls played their most complete game of the match. Every time Armwood pushed, we pushed back. When we pushed, Armwood pushed back. It was a good battle throughout. Unfortunately, the score did not reflect the improvement from game 1 to game 3, as our Chargers were downed, 25-20.

Game notes: 4 freshmen were invited to play up for this initial pre-season tune-up and each played well, not showing the nerves often associated with freshman playing at the highest level...Setter, Becky, had the highest Ace-Serve ration...Nicole led the team in hitting and made several great passes...Madi kept the tempo high for our defense with her strong, consistent serving...Chantal played a great all around game.

Opening remarks

Classes are back in session, the court has a new finish, sneakers are squeaking, and girls are soaring through the air. It must be volleyball season. We had great summer workouts, and after last week's tryouts, our season is in full swing. A lot of things are changing this year, and all of the girls have thrown their full commitment into the new direction of the volleyball program.

We have a good time together — we laugh, we joke — but the girls work hard every day to improve, to get better every time they step on the court, every time they touch the ball. On Tuesday, as we continue preparation for our first regular season match (a home match versus district rival Out of Door Academy), our Varsity team takes the court for the first time this year in a pre-season classic at Seffner Christian. We're all excited for the season ahead and hope to see many of you in the stands.