The crowd roared with every point. Students were on the edge of their seats throughout the entire tournament game. Royal, even with much perseverance, did not manage to secure the win against the Sage Hill Lightening team. On Wednesday, May 7, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., our boys volleyball varsity team were neck and neck with Sage Hill. The volleyball game took place in our home gym. Tickets were $7 per student and $10 for general admission.
The average volleyball game consists of 5 sets or rounds. For the first 4 sets, each team battles to be the first to 25 points. The fifth set is only needed if there is a tie and is played to 15 points. Sage Hill got the first point seconds within the first set. They dominated the round 21 to 13 and won 25 to 17. Fortunately for the Highlanders, in the second round they were in charge. Royal got the first point and won 25 to 22. “I already know this is going to be a good game because the points keep going back and forth.” said junior, Ramiro AlmanzaRuelas.
After the second set, there was a short break for the players and audience. The players had time to get a drink of water and speak with the coach to plan out the next round. The audience got to stretch and some even visited the snack shop at the front of the gym. The snack shop had sparkling water, Cheez-It’s, candy, Popeyes chicken sandwiches, and so much more. The snacks were cheap, with some being a dollar or less.
Both teams came in hot for this third set. Lightning got the first point and was in charge this round. Highlanders quickly caught up, but it simply wasn’t enough. Royal lost 17-25. The fourth set had the most enthusiasm. The stands came alive with excitement and the cheerleader’s cheer filled the air. Royal got the first point, but Sage Hill caught up rapidly. Royal this set had their highest lead of 10 points, 24 to 14! Royal shut down the competition with a shocking final score of 25 to 15.
It is anyone’s game at this point, with the sets tied up in a thriller. With the match tied 2 to 2, first to 15 points, this last set determines it all. Lightning gained the lead with ease 2 to 0, but the Highlanders would not go down that easily. They quickly catch up 2 to 1. After tons of emotion, sweat, tears, and pouring their hearts out into every play, Royal falls just short and leaves the court with the sting of defeat. The final score was 15 to 10, junior Oscar Estrada said devastatingly, “What happened Royal? You guys had that! They need to work on better defense.” Royal fought fiercely and at the end of the game both teams, Highlanders and Lightning, showed outstanding sportsmanship by high fiving and saying good game to each other.
