The Lady Mavs took on the Dragons at Round Rock High School on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Fighting until the end, the Mavericks could not bring home the win, losing 0-3.
From the start, the Dragons’ relentless intensity overwhelmed the Mavericks as they struggled to find their footing. Despite the challenges of stepping into this high-level game, the Mavericks still brought their best effort. Junior middle Chloe Stewart provided the Mavericks with various successful plays, including an ace and multiple kills. Still, the Mavericks could not remain defensively ready, ending the first set 4-25 L.
“I thought in the first set we lacked communication as a team causing us to lose a lot of points from failing to receive their serves,” Stewart said. “Thankfully, we picked it up in the second set, learning from our mistakes in the first set.”
The second set proved to be a much closer game tying the score 7-7. The Mavs picked up the pace with multiple successful rallies and kills. Junior setter Emily Vacek practiced hustle and aggression on the court, saving numerous loose balls allowing her to set up her teammates for successful plays. Despite their efforts, the Mavericks ultimately lost the second set 14-25 L.
“In the second set we improved our game, and our communication was a lot better,” Vacek said. “Our defense and serve receive was definitely a step up from the first set, allowing us to play on their level.”
Progressing onto the third set, the Dragons continued to dominate, resembling the one-sided dynamic from the first set. Despite their attempts to maintain the elevated level of play from the second set, the Mavericks were unable to hold their ground against the Dragons, ending the final set 4-25 L.
“We fought our hardest, but it is hard to come back when you are so far behind,” junior right side Emma Bruce said. “Even though it wasn’t our best game, I’m super excited for the game on Friday, the pink out game is always my favorite part of the year, and I’m happy we have the opportunity to raise money for the Round Rock Breast Cancer Resource Center.”
The Mavs will raise awareness for breast cancer with their annual pink out game this Friday, Oct. 25, against Cedar Ridge. They will host a bake sale and basket raffle, where all proceeds will go to the Round Rock Breast Cancer Resource Center. The players have also been selling pink paper volleyballs for the last week, which will be hung up in the gym to “honor cancer warriors, survivors and angels.”
