GREENCASTLE-ANTRIM – It was an exciting night of junior varsity and varsity volleyball on Tuesday evening, Sept. 3 at the Greencastle-Antrim High School when the James Buchanan Rockets visited the Greencastle Blue Devils.
The junior varsity teams got the crowded gym fired up with several long point series that had all the players hustling around the court. The Blue Devils showed great teamwork and communication during the long rallies as both teams battled to break the other’s defense. This first game of this best of three series was one of the hardest fought games I have seen and ended with the Rockets on top, 31-29.
The biggest question on everyone’s mind had to be whether either team had enough fight left in them for game two. That question was quickly answered as both teams struggled to get the upper hand as they traded serves and jostled for the lead. The home team built up a small lead after a few minutes of play, but the opposition was tough and the Rockets kept it close. So close, that they were able to win the second game and the series with a score of 28-26.
This was one of the best showings from two determined teams to ever step foot on a high school volleyball court. Neither team gave an inch and each point was well earned. After that amazing performance, the varsity teams would have to raise the level of their games.
Junior Varsity: James Buchanan- 2 Greencastle-Antrim- 0
The varsity volleyball teams came out to a thunderous ovation from the crowd who were still feeling the energy from the earlier games. The Blue Devils slipped ahead early, building up a four-point lead, but it would not be easy to maintain. The Rockets played hard and kept it close during the early stages of the game, but a lapse in communication between players would help the home team secure game one with a 25-16 score.
Unfortunately for the visiting team, this was just the beginning of their problems. The home team, wearing their blue uniforms, wore down their opposition with perfect timing, communication and setups at the net that kept the Rockets reeling back on their heels. After building up a comfortable early lead, the Blue Devils took game two, 25-14.
During the short break between the games, it was announced that Greencastle-Antrim senior, Abigail Eagler, set a new school record for kills per set with 808 career kills in her four years at Greencastle-Antrim.
The only thing to cap off a great night of celebration would be to add a check to the win column for the Blue Devils. They came into game three with the same finesse and discipline as they had the two previous games. The Rockets team looked frustrated and flustered as they tried to break the home team’s tough defense. Despite their best efforts, the Rockets fell in game three 18-25, giving the home team a clean sweep and the home crowd the finish they had earned.
Varsity: James Buchanan- 0 Greencastle-Antrim- 3
