The Valdez Junior Varsity Lady Buccaneer Volleyball team fought hard and split the victory with the Grace Christian Grizzlies in this past weekend’s home competition.
What an exciting, well-matched weekend! In a quick turn of events, the Valdez Buccaneers were able to compete toe-to-toe in a last minute competition against the Grace Christian Grizzlies. These games were neck-and-neck and a battle to the last very last set.
On Friday evening the JV squad came out strong, showing great growth and adjustments from our earlier tournament in the season. One of our team goals was to be transitioning on the court from offense to defense. This small adjustment paid off in a big way. Unfortunately, the girls fell short in the first set with a narrow 23 – 25 loss. In the second set of the night the team struggled through some communication breakdowns which led to an even greater loss of 13 – 25.
For any other team these first two losses would have mentally taken them out of the competition, but this group of athletes does not get worked up over past mistakes or failures. In set 3 they stepped back on the court, a force to be reckoned with, and fought to win the next three sets (25-14, 25-22, and 15-13).
Saturday morning marked a new day, and the Grizzlies were not giving up without a fight. In the first set the Valdez JV dug a deep hole when unable to return the Grizzlies serve, facing a score of 0-10. Undeterred, the Bucs clawed their way back into the game, matching the Grizzlies score at 12-12. The two teams continued to battle back and forth with the final victory going to the Grizzlies at 23-25. The Bucs fought back in the second set, winning 25-22, but lost sets 3 and 4 (25-27 and 19-25).
The team continues to improve, challenge, and perfect their skills with great heart and attitude.
Shout out to the student body Buccaneer fans! These are the best fans in the state at showing up and supporting their team with creativity and enthusiasm!
Well played Bucs!
Friday:
Valdez Grace
Set 1 23 25
Set 2 13 25
Set 3 25 14
Set 4 25 22
Set 5 15 13
Saturday:
Set 1 23 25
Set 2 25 22
Set 3 25 27
Set 4 19 25