It was back and forth in the first set between the varsity girls volleyball team and Oviedo on Sept. 12. The girls were down 15-13 and started to lose momentum, until outside hitter Faith Walsh got a kill that turned it around for the team. Designated server Mina Stephens then got two aces in a row to gain back the lead.
“The energy from the bench and crowd helped us win,” designated server Madison Schwartz said. “It makes all the difference when you feel support and energy all around you.”
The team won the game 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-19). Despite the sweep, Oviedo put up a fight and took the lead multiple times throughout each match, making the girls have to work to keep the lead.
“Our biggest attribute that we had was keeping our composure. We were down a few points and were up a few points and it was more of a mentally emotional game for us,” coach Juanita Hitt said. “It was a good test of where we can be later on in the future.”
Libero Mayte Camacho had 15 digs and one ace, outside hitter Abby Mas had 16 kills and outside hitter Jenness Orcutt and setter Brielle Mullen had 38 assists.
Mas, Orcutt and Walsh had several huge blocks that disrupted Oviedo’s attack.
“We took advantage of their hitters—they do not have as many tall and strong hitters as our team,” Schwartz said. “So, we were able to block them and put more balls down than they could.”
The team kept a consistent pace throughout the game, but they struggled in the first set, letting Oviedo gain a four point lead, 12-8, before they started to pick up the pace. They let Oviedo’s hitters get a couple kills that could have been saved.
“Our biggest weakness was our nerves and defense in the first set,” Camacho said. “We were hesitant and could not put a ball down as well as they were.”
Camacho and Mullen both recently hit huge milestones in their high school careers. In the game against Deland, Camacho reached 1000 career digs. In the game against Oviedo, Mullen reached 1000 assists.
“A thousand digs has always been a big goal for my career, and I just try to go for every ball I possibly can,” Camacho said.
The team now has a record of 7-4, and will go on to play at Seminole on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“Our energy throughout the game was what kept us going and let us win the game,” Mullen said.
