In the second set, Union took an early lead on the Shamrocks. With the score at 5-1, New Haven was able to get on the board. Due to errors by the Shamrocks, Union expanded their lead to 17-8. With the score at 19-9, New Haven’s Coach Spechauls called a timeout. Later, Audrey Ford had a nice kill down the line and was able to stop Union’s run. With the score at 22-16, Union called their final timeout of the set. Union then went on to win 25-19.
Since both teams split the first two sets, the eighth grade game also went into three sets. Claire Meyer stated, “ I love the feeling of knowing that this is your last chance and you have to give it your all. Playing three sets makes me feel pumped up and just ready to play to win.”
To start the final set, New Haven jumped out ahead of Union, but not for long. New Haven and Union battled back and forth, with the score changing on each serve. With the score 16-12 New Haven, Grace Soete came up to the line to serve. She stated, “ When I was serving, it was just me and the ball. I bounced it twice to calm myself down and decide where to serve, then went for it.”
Union called a timeout before making their comeback. The score was then 19-19. Soon, Makenzie Munsinger made a diving play to save the ball, which scored a point for the Shamrocks and made the score 22-20. New Haven was able to score on the next serve, which forced Union to call a timeout. Union was able to score one more point in the set before New Haven went on to win 25-21. When talking after the game, Munsinger remarked, “ In the second set we never should have let Union get such a lead on us from the beginning. They were able to throw us off of our game. Thankfully, we persevered through the third set to win.”
The Shamrocks’ next game is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, at New Haven against St.Clair.
-by Molly Munsinger