Knees bent and arms outstretched, junior Alexa Telly positioned herself near the volleyball net, awaiting the next serve. As the ball sailed towards her, the crowd went silent in anticipation. Telly spiked the ball down hard onto the opposing court while Episcopal’s defense watched helplessly. The gym erupted in applause.
The GDS varsity volleyball team played Episcopal on Thursday, Oct. 9. This was their fifth Independent School League (ISL) conference game, and the Hoppers were looking to keep their streak alive after winning the previous four.
Episcopal opened the game with two quick aces, serves GDS was unable to return. After trading points, the score sat at 7–6, GDS. The Hoppers found their footing and responded with six straight kills, putting themselves at a 13–8 advantage.
Time after time, the Hoppers attacked Episcopal’s defense, frequently targeting the left side of the court. An easy tip from senior Fiona McDermott and a quick-thinking save from junior Caycee Chhum led the Hoppers to a 21–11 first-set lead. Episcopal’s coach called a timeout, and the crowd cheered as GDS gathered for a huddle.
Coming out of the timeout, seniors Tessa Fergusson and Gigi Wigglesworth both hit strong spikes, leading the Hoppers to win the first set 25–13.
“We wanted to come out at each set with intensity, focus and lots of communication,” Wigglesworth said.
At the beginning of the second set, Chhum and senior Ella Higday each hit two aces, sparking a 6–1 GDS run. The Hoppers and Maroons traded points until the score sat at 11–5.
GDS extended its lead to 21–8 as Episcopal struggled to attack the Hoppers’ defense, something Wigglesworth said her team took advantage of. “There were a lot of free balls that we were given, and being able to put that away on the first ball is very important for us,” she said. GDS closed out the second set, winning 25–10.
Coming into the third set, GDS had an opportunity to sweep the match. Fergusson and Telly were quick to get in on the action, each hitting multiple kills that were assisted by Chhum and junior Charlie Haft, respectively.
“I thought we were very collaborative on the court,” Telly said.
The Hoppers’ teamwork led to multiple scoring opportunities. A powerful hit by Fergusson put GDS up 19–12. The crowd cheered louder than before: A Hopper victory was in sight.
Soon after Fergusson’s hit, Episcopal missed the ball, giving GDS a 23–14 edge in the third set.
Sophomore Farrah Maragh served an ace, bringing the Hoppers to matchpoint. An out of bounds call on her second serve, however, gave Episcopal another chance. The score sat at 24–16.
In the final play of the game, it took little time for the Hoppers to attack the Maroon’s defense and win the point, cementing the GDS sweep.
Many GDS players said the team’s communication and focus helped them to secure their fifth ISL win and 12th win overall.
“We were very loud tonight,” Telly said. “I’m really proud of my team for coming through.”
Whether in the game or on the bench, GDS’ players were vocal throughout all three sets; after every ace, the entire team chanted, “Ace, ace, baby!”
Head coach Brandon Wiest complimented his players’ intensity and ability to stay focused no matter the score. “We want to approach every point as if it’s 0-0,” he said. “Our goal is to be the hardest working team on the court every single point, and I think that’s something we did a really good job of today.”
The Hoppers play next on Oct. 17 against School Without Walls at GDS.