To play a sport means to put your blood, sweat and tears into the game. When the odds are stacked against you, you keep contending – that’s what it means to be an athlete. Although the odds were stacked against them, the Rush Knights competed vigorously with Parkway High School’s girl in the end of the season playoff game.

Rush took first blood in the first set with Megan Lackey’s powerful spike! However, Parkway didn’t make it easy with their swift players’ sharp reactions. However, Kylah Perez (#7) was able to blow through the defenses with her lightning spike. Megan Lackey (#14) took the spotlight once more with her slick serve that just barely grazed the net, leaving the other team unable to return the ball! Although the first set went to Parkway, Rush was just warming up to take the next set.

Rush’s offense in the second set, began with player #12, Alexandria Hermes’s solid serve, earning the team several points. Megan Lackey even racked up a point using the same skilled serve she used towards the end of the first set! Parkway thought they could use power to break the team, but Midori Rainford (#4) was there on multiple occasions to shut down the oncoming ball, slamming it back to where it came from. When the going got tough, Rush’s reliable pinch server, Alice Vaynblat (#13) was brought in to score multiple points. Feinting was a huge part of the strategy for this set since Parkway always seemed to miss them; their defense seemed to always be towards the back expecting a roaring spike or way up front, almost hugging the net, expecting the setter to “dump.” Midori Rainford, Kylah Perez, and  Megan Lackey, all took full advantage of this, leading to countless points gained. 

The most spectacular play of the set, possibly even of the entire game came out of nowhere. During an extensive rally, the ball seemed to be constantly in motion with Rush and Parkway receiving and spiking, the play ended however with Midori Rainford seeing the spike before it came, jumped up and slamming it back down onto Parkway’s side of the net. The gymnasium boomed as Rush took the second set.

The game was destined to continue on for at least four more rounds – it was certainly going to be a test of stamina for the teams. Rush started off their strategy with Jaidyn Baker (#5) and Isabella Carfagno (#2) using the “wall” strategy – used on multiple occasions throughout the season. These two managed to block an incoming spike, resulting in points for Rush. Isabella Carfagno and Alexandria Hermes both took full initiative to spike down the ball when the moment called for it! The feints seemed to be working less and less now, considering Alexandria Hermes, was the only one able to feint and not have the ball quickly received. This set was the most breathtaking ending with a score of 24-25, in Parkway’s favor.

With tensions high, Parkway only needed this last set to take the win in the playoff game! Rush begun with pinch server, Alice Vaynblat. Vaynblat even contributed to a spike point when the ball she received was used as a “set” for Jaidyn Baker! The game continue vigorously, with point after point being awarded to both teams; Rush fought hard with great spiking contributions from Alexandria Hermes and great receiving covers from Deborah Rivera (#3). Unfortunately, hard dedication wasn’t enough with Parkway’s success to confirm their win. As we say goodbye to our beloved seniors, we look forward to seeing our new team next season!

Written by: Michael Beaumont