Late into the first set, Evanston was hanging tight with one of the best teams in the Central Suburban League South conference and its rival, New Trier. Holding a 21-20 lead, Evanston couldn’t hang on, with New Trier taking the next two points in the first set. The Trevians never looked back.

Despite the tight first set, girls volleyball fell to New Trier in straight sets, 25-22, 25-16. Even with the result, head coach Paris McFall was proud of the team’s effort.

“I thought we competed well and thought we were able to come in here and really challenge New Trier. [New Trier’s] the best team in the conference right now,” McFall said. “This just proves we can compete with anyone.”

The first set was full of great digs and impressive blocks by the whole team, especially by juniors Francisca Taylor and Sarah Skey. 

“Definitely shout out to Sarah Skey,” Taylor stated. “She came out swinging, and she did amazing.” 

The second set started with New Trier (12-3, 4-0 CSL South) landing kill after kill on Evanston (2-13, 0-4) to take an immediate 5-1 lead. The Kits’ blocks were good but their energy was running low. New Trier widened its lead for the rest of the set while the Kits struggled to regain their first-set momentum.

 “I think we lost that mental battle today,” McFall said. “We came up in the first set, mentally tough, mentally strong, and in the second set, we just slid right back into our old ways. We forgot the things that got us competing in the first set.”

Despite the loss, the team’s strong first set shows potential for growth.

“We didn’t stop,” Taylor says. “Especially the next time we play New Trier, we should mentally go in with a fresh perspective and positivity.”

The Kits were unsuccessful in this game, but the team looks forward to the next challenge. Catch Evanston’s next home game against Highland Park on Tuesday, Sept 26, at 6:00 p.m.