The JV squad played one of their best sets of the year in the first of a well-matched group of sets against Hotchkiss. The set was defined by the team-first, clean play by the Doors, with impeccable serve receive, tough serves, stout defense, and always forcing the mistakes to be made on the Hotchkiss side of the net. Highlights of the set included a serving run by libero Karen Park, ‘26 that put the game in hand and a monster block by Katie Mountz, ‘27.
Momentum shifted to the Hotchkiss side of the net in the second and third sets with some strong serving and hitting from the Bearcats. Devon Coleman was a bright spot in the second set scoring 4 kills from the outside. The team tried to keep the second set in reach at the end with a couple of serving runs from Coleman and Travis Gerst, ‘26, but the lead was too steep to overcome.
Going into the fourth set, the team committed to turning the game around and shifting back to the play of the first set. The Doors jumped out to the early lead with strong net play from setter Selin Aksoy, ‘27 and excellent digs from libero Maisy Johnson, ‘26. The Bearcats were not giving up, and stormed back with strong net play and serving and ultimately were victorious.
Overall, despite the loss, the team played many outstanding points, hit the ball hard, dug spikes, tipped cleverly, received serve well, and extended a number of rallies with impressive athleticism. They showed their potential for excellence and will take that into their game against a strong Exeter team on Saturday.