The Manogue Girls Volleyball team secured a major win last Saturday, against the Reno Huskies during the Regional Championship Game.
Even though the Lady Miners walked away in triumph, the Huskies definitely put up a fight and kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the five-set game. The Miner’s took an early lead during the first set, with a score of 25-22. The Huskies then made a recovery during the second set, winning 23-25. Isabelle Cannon, a junior at Manogue who attended the game, reflects on this tension, stating, “With the score being so close, and a regional title at stake, all of us in the student section were especially fired up! I remember we were all holding hands because we were so anxious. We couldn’t look away, not even for a second, because we didn’t want to miss a thing.”
During the third set, the Lady Miner’s technique and coordination shone through as they rallied against the Huskies. Strong bumps from Sofia Jaferian, a junior and the team’s libero, flawless sets from Crystal Pautler, a senior on the team, and powerful hits from Lily Beckwith, a sophomore, all led to a victory of the third set, ending with a score of 25-23. However, the fourth set ended in a Reno victory 18-25. Even though cheers and shouts of Reno fans rang throughout the gym, the Miners stayed hopeful and kept up their own spirit by participating in cheers and chants of their own.
Before the fifth and final set of the Regional Championship Game even began, fans, coaches, and players all knew that it was going to be a nail-biter. As the final score drew close, the Lady Miners did not back down. Fans could spot the fierce looks of determination on the players faces, even from the stands. The Miners were up 15-14, however, since they had to win by two points, they knew the fight for victory was not over yet. A recovery from Reno led to a tie of 16-16, leaving all speechless from the suspense. Finally, after a powerful serve from Pamela Jovic, a senior, and an intense volley, all eyes darted to the scoreboard. Manogue had won 18-16.
Celebratory cheers erupted throughout the Manogue sections as the proud players rushed to each other and embraced in a team hug. The student section raced down from the bleachers and onto the court, cheering and jumping with excitement. Each player glowed with joy as the team was handed the regional plaque. The Regional Championship game was a testimony to the Lady Miner’s incredible work ethic, technique, determination, and team unity.
Kaetlie Harris, a junior on the team, recalls this incredible moment, stating, “As a team we have worked so hard this season and come so far, so to see it all pay off was such a fun experience. All I could think when we won was how proud I was of each teammate and the hard work we have put in to get here. I would do anything for every single girl on our roster and I was filled with pure joy the second that game ended, and we came out on top!”
