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Coach Olivia Scott, giving motivational advice during this tough match.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Team huddle after losing a point, in order to regroup and get the ball back.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Hoggard pulling away in the first set.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Teammates on the sidelines, quieting down for their teammates serve.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Abby Douna’s, court shoes prepared at the net.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Back row players Alexis Anderson, Finley Mahler and Kensley Smith preparing to receive a topspin serve.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Abby Douna, serving once again after 4 aces.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Right side Blakely McMullan and middle blocker, Abby Douna blocking.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Middle blocker Abby Douna, swing blocking.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Setter Annabella Todd, rotates to front row to set.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Middle blocker Pressley Wilson, reading the setters hands in order to block Hoggard’s outside hitter.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Defensive Specialists, Alexis Anderson and Finley Mahler, down and ready to return the serve.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Jaidah Goodine, preparing to block the opposing hitter.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Abby Douna passes the ball to her target in the “shell” drill.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Freshman Aydriona Jackson, warming up before the match.
Photo by Emma Lockner
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Freshman Abby Douna, preparing her mental to play Hoggard
Photo by Emma Lockner
On Thursday, August 28th, the visiting Hoggard Vikings stepped off the bus with confidence and focus, while the West Brunswick Trojans were already warming up for the challenge ahead. Every shoe tightly laced and every ball being peppered with the purpose to defeat, the Trojans knew this would be a tough match. Both teams were filled with talented freshmen, and they played with the intensity of collegiate-level athletes, with not only intense energy but also determination. Despite their effort, the Trojans fell in straight sets, losing 2–0.
Throughout the first set of the match, the score remained within a couple of points, as both teams served ace after ace, while their defenses refused to let the ball hit the floor. The Vikings slowly left the Trojans in the dust, winning the first set 25-16.
West Brunswick Head Coach Olivia Scott quickly called her team into a huddle to regroup and find a new strategy for the next set, hoping to force a third. The goal was clear- pick up the pace and focus on the plays.
The buzzer sounded at the start of the second and final set, and the players lined the court. From the first ball, Hoggard’s energy was unmatched, immediately stringing plays together with crisp passes, buttery sets, and hits slammed near the ten-foot line. The Trojans fought back with solid blocks and smart plays, refusing to back down. Between each point, the Trojans huddled, encouraging each other to stay focused and composed, while the Vikings celebrated each point with loud and unified cheers.
Despite their heart and hustle, the Trojans couldn’t stop the Vikings’ momentum. Hoggard won the game with an end score of 2-0. The Trojans were just another pawn moved out of the way on their path to staying relatively undefeated all season. It was a tough loss for West Brunswick, which has struggled for years to defeat this powerhouse team and had hoped this would be the year to end that streak. They will meet again on September 23rd in Viking territory, where the Trojans will look to return stronger, more prepared, and ready for redemption.
