Two sets down, three more opportunities.

Pressure. Pull it off. Win.

“[As long] as we work together, stay positive, and have the right mindset.”

These thoughts run through sophomore libero Claire Canon’s head as the Cardinals prepare to win the third set of the game and beat their rival.

Varsity volleyball defeated Lamar High School on Sept. 27, closing the first round of districts with a winning streak.
The Cardinals secured the first set 25-19 and lost the following two 27-25 and 25-20, but they came back to win the last two sets, 25-23 and 15-10.

“It was a little too close in the first few sets, definitely closer than what we wanted it to be,” sophomore and right-side hitter Olivia Wang said. “[But in] the last game, we managed to get ahead by a good amount.”

According to Canon, the team needed to “be aggressive, positive and excited” in order to win. “We [couldn’t] get frustrated,” Canon said. “[The] most important [thing was] to have fun and win.”

“Our communication was down during the second and third set, but then we brought it up and we won the rest,” senior and right- side hitter Emily York said. “I think we’re gonna do really good [for the rest of the season] as long as we work together as a team.”

While Lamar may not be Bellaire’s biggest competition in playoffs according to Wang, she admits a “said and unsaid” rivalry exists between Lamar and Bellaire, making the game more important and exciting than others.

“[Winning] felt really good because we had to come back and win all five [sets], which obviously was not the original plan, but [it] just felt good because they’re our rivals and biggest competition,” York said. “It’s sad because we’re seniors and we’re going against them just one more time in districts, and then we’re done.”

The Cardinals will play each district team for a second time in round two of districts, starting Oct. 3. This will determine their ranking for playoffs.

“This week we’re starting round two of districts, so [there’s] just this expectation of us to finish what we started,” Wang said. “Right now, we’ve won every game and we’re playing the same teams again, so we’re closing that door. We’re not gonna let them come back at all.”

With the rest of the season ahead and on a winning streak, “We all want each other to play at our best abilities,” Canon said.

The 2023-2024 varsity team was composed of mostly underclassmen with only one graduating senior. This year the team is an even mix, with two new freshmen, an underclassmen setter and seven seniors. The even spread makes for a “different atmosphere and definite improvement,” York said.

“From last year, we have [kept] a majority of the same players, so the season has been a really good way for us to grow together and just feel each other out and celebrate because a lot of our players are graduating this year,” Wang said. “I think we have a really, really strong team this year.”

The Lady Cardinals will continue into the second round of districts on Oct. 11 with Wisdom High School at 6 p.m. at Delmar Stadium.