In a challenging match on Tuesday, Sept. 2, Freshman Volleyball took on the Vista Ridge Rangers. Despite the Warriors’ fiery spirit and relentless determination, Westwood fell just short, with a final score of 2-0.

From the opening serve, the first set was a constant battle. Westwood began the set with full intensity, winning the first points of the game. However, the Rangers quickly followed, matching the Warriors’ energy. Both teams fought neck-and-neck, trading points in long rallies that had the crowd on its feet. Tension built as each team continued to score. The gym roared with cheers from Warriors and Rangers alike. The Lady Warriors defense held aggressive, fueled by strong blocks and quick saves from Madeline Silkey ‘29. As the game progressed, the Rangers leaned on their harsh offense to tie Westwood into a bind. Despite Westwood’s proactive defense, the Warriors came up 14 points short to end the first set, with the final score being 25-11. 

“We stay motivated by [looking at] how [our teammates] act,” Silkey said. “Everyone knows how to bring up positivity [because] that helps us push harder than ever.”

Determined to bounce back in the second set, Westwood and Vista Ridge traded intense rapid attacks to keep both defense lines under constant pressure. For a moment, momentum shifted with the Lady Warriors having a five point lead. Daisy Segura ‘29 led the Warriors to expand the lead even more by using sharp serves and fast paced offense. However, miscommunication on Westwood’s defensive side proved costly as the Rangers clawed back, sealing the set 25-21 and the match 2-0. 

“We did good, we just need to make sure not to get in our heads and [work on] communicating,” Segura said. “[Personally I want to work on] being more aggressive.”

The Warriors will look to rebound at their next game on Friday, Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. against the Weiss Wolves.

“Even being tired, I kept telling myself to keep pushing,” Silkey said. “Once it’s over, don’t stop. Keep practicing, and be positive.”