As both teams walked in for warm-ups, music blasted and fans cheered in anticipation of a great match. They were not disappointed.
With Evanston and Maine South coming off wins, the hot hand was distributed throughout the match. Ultimately, however, Harvard commit and Senior Captain Sofia Rossi and the Hawks maintained composure in the final set, defeating Evanston in three sets: 25-23, 11-25, 24-26. With the loss, the Kits fell to 8-15, 0-5 CSL.
“It was a tough loss, but we went [three sets]. That was probably the best we played in a conference match this year,” said Head Coach Mike McDermott. “I think if we could’ve held out a little bit longer, we’d be really happy right now.”
The Kits started hot in the first set, scoring three in a row to come out 5-1. But with a few mental errors on the part of the Kits, the Hawks eventually tied it up, making the score 17-17. From there on out, back-and-forth both teams continued but Evanston was lifted by Seniors Kylie O’Conner and Frankie Taylor, both paving the way with aces and kills for a first-set win, 25-23.
“We’re tough, we’re getting stronger, we’re able to go three sets with a tough team,” said McDermott.
Main South dominated the opening of the second set, playing as if no one was in front of them, led by Senior Middle and Captain Ana Petrides. The Kits continued to fight hard but the hole dug by mental errors was too deep to get out of. The Hawks finished off the second set with a win (25-11), tying the match series, 1-1.
“It’s not over till it’s over,” said McDermott. “I mean, you gotta fight right up until 25 because no matter how many points you’re up, if you lose that focus momentum can change so quickly in volleyball if you’re not ready for it.”
The third set was a rally—every point was hard-fought and well-deserved. Senior Middle Gillian Colledge was a pioneer in keeping Evanston alive in this set. However, the Hawk’s momentum and fieriness transitioned to the third set, making it difficult for Evanston to maintain a lead. Maine South finished the third set with a set win, which also won the match.
“We were down in that third set, so I felt like we pushed really well, but we got to remember the basics at crunch time,” said McDermott.
Evanston remains in the backyard of Beardsley and faces Regina Dominican on Monday, Oct. 4 at 5:00 pm.
