by Suzane Jlelati, Staff Writer
On Friday night, the boys varsity volleyball team went up against the Edison Chargers. Even with the crowd on their side cheering for the whole game, they lost in a close game with a score of 25-21.
With a net violation made by Edison, Fountain Valley makes the first point of the game. However, the Chargers struck back and earned themselves the point right back. The boys kept strong defense throughout this set with multiple, successful walls of defense made by Loudenback (’17) and Downey Hyunh (‘17). Benjamin Minch (‘18) made multiple spikes this set and helped keep the score above Edison’s. The crowd and the boys had high levels of enthusiasm this set and never broke a sweat. With a few final spikes made, the Barons kept the lead in the first set 25-20.
The Barons made the first point of the second set and earned themselves a second with a net violation made by Edison. Fountain Valley and Edison were neck and neck, both getting points off of each other one after another. Loudenback and Hyunh were able to block a spike from Edison, but the Barons began to fall behind soon after. Edison scored a point from a rally and were a few points ahead for the rest of the set. The boys tried to defend as much as possible to catch up to the set point but were only able to earn themselves one point, ending the set 17-25.
With Edison taking the first few points in the third set, the Barons try their hardest in keeping the score even. Points were made back and forth but Edison was able to take the lead once they hit the 20 point mark. The Barons were falling behind with unsuccessful blocks and receives. The boys were able to make a few more points but with an out spike, the set went to Edison with a score of 17-25.
Determined to win a set, Minch spikes the first point. Edison returned another. Tensions were high during this long set and the score was neck and neck throughout. Referees even took their time determining whether to give a point to Fountain Valley, but it went over to Edison, keeping the score even once again 3-3. Hyunh and Loudenback made a point and Minch helped spike another point. Multiple service points were made by both teams but neither faltered in scoring points, hoping to break the tie. A spike to the net led Edison to hit match point and with a block, they won the match 21-25.
“I did the best I could do. Overall as a team I think we need work on our passing. In the second set that one guy kept ripping serves and we couldn’t pass it. Once you can’t pass a ball you can’t set anyone. I hope we can get one game off of [Newport]. They’re pretty good but I think we can come out and upset them as the underdogs,” said Minch.
