After a highly competitive first meeting with Suffield, the Wyverns knew that they would have to maintain a high level of play throughout the match to succeed a second time, and that’s exactly what they did. The first set began with several long, competitive points that allowed each team to test the waters. It was back-and-forth scoring, with an impressive early block from Quin Kearney ‘23 and consistent setting from co-captain Mackenzie Caruso ‘22 until Suffield pulled ahead and KO needed a strong comeback. The Wyverns dug deep, and after several well placed, intentional serves from co-captain Keira Sullivan ‘23 and some thoroughly struck hits from Ava Cashman ‘24 on the outside, the team navigated the pressure to even the score. As we moved into extra points, Allie Arcaro ‘24 showed nerves of steel on the service line while KO was down set point, and the team was able to come together to claim the first set at 29-27. The mental fortitude shown in this set by all players, especially in front of an opposing team’s big home crowd, was a sight to see and helped the team move on confidently into the rest of the match. In the second set, both teams were making adjustments based on the first set, which led to exciting points that had players on both sides scrambling and adapting. The Wyverns had to battle to close a big lead by Suffield, and though KO came close, Suffield took the set with an elevation of their service game. The comeback in the second set reinvigorated the Wyvern offense, and they were ready for the third set. The third involved a demonstration of the variety and adaptability of KO’s offense, starting with Kata Mesterhazy ‘23 hitting and tipping from the middle to win some early points, and even pulling off a double block in a single point. Jill Plaut ‘23, when she wasn’t activating our offense as the setter, had great offensive approaches from the right side, which forced the opponent to spread their coverage thin. Lindsay Bailey ‘22 took charge at the net with alternating hits and tips that flew deep into the corners. It was another close set, forcing KO to retain composure after some tough points, and we were able to get the job done. In the fourth and final set, the Wyverns kept the offensive train rolling and never settled into a predictable pattern for the opponent to respond to. Cashman made key adjustments of spin in her outside hitting and threw in some last-minute tips to throw off the opponent. Sullivan went all-out with her outside hitting and targeted key open areas on the right side of the court. On KO’s right side, Naomi Wong ‘22 forced the opponent to deal with deep topsin hits early on in the set. And in the middle, Bailey and Mesterhazy were ready to put away anything at the net. Until the very last point, the Wyverns played with the faith that their hard work in practice had prepared them for this match, and what a result! This was the team’s best display of consistency and mental fortitude yet, and it’s a great sign for the rest of the season!

We’re looking forward to our away match against Miss Porter’s on 10/30. Way to go, KOVB!