Boys varsity volleyball went into their game with hopes of an upset on Monday, Apr. 1, but Lake Brantley, the ninth-ranked team in 3A, kept that from happening, defeating Hagerty 3-1. 

Minimization of errors and teamwork led to a strong start, with Hagerty winning the first set 27-25. 

“In the first set, we had a lot more momentum and energy, and we were ready to go off the bat, keeping our mistakes to a minimum,” junior outside hitter Igor Sauer said. 

However, the momentum changed, and Lake Brantley won the following three sets. Despite the loss, the sets were close throughout the game, and Lake Brantley was only up 25-20 in the third set and 25-19 in the fourth set. There was a wide gap when they won the second set 25-16.

While the team was not able to come back and win the game, there were a few standout moments. Senior middle blocker Kellen Woolm, holding a .409 kill percentage this season, was an essential part of the team’s offense with nine kills and 14 attacks during the game. Additionally, junior outside hitter Gavin Miller led the team with 10 kills and 26 attacks. This would not have been possible without the back row defense and setter, senior Caden Houston, with 20 assists. 

“I try to see who to set, where their blockers are, and to put the set in a place where the hitter can make a kill,” Houston said. 

The team is 6-6, with dominating sweeps against Spruce Creek, East River and Lake Highland Prep and losses against Timber Creek, Lake Howell and Lake Mary. 

Now looking to improve, they will face Lake Brantley and Olympia at a neutral tournament hosted at Lake Mary on Friday, April 4.