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.