On the windy afternoon of October the third, the inside of the HYCC gymnasium witnessed a spectacular game between the Sturgis East Storm and the Sturgis West Navigators, yet another rivalry being played out upon the shining hardwood stage. While the bleachers were largely filled with West fans, nearly out-screaming the buzzer, this did nothing to deter the players standing unflinchingly on the court. And while it was naturally expected to be a remarkable game, no one in that gym, be it player or spectator, could have predicted just how remarkable a game it would turn out to be.
The first set, although a bit close, ultimately went to Sturgis East, providing with it a boost in both confidence and morale. Thus, they pressed on into the second set. Shockingly, the result was the direct opposite of what the previous set's final score had been. While it had been 25-20 East, it was now 25-20 West! The scores flipped, and this resulted in one set under each team’s belt. By the beginning of the third set, it no longer felt like this was a simple high school volleyball game; it now seemed as though this was another world, surrounded by the cacophonous shouts from both sides and the yelling of the players themselves. Calls of "Outside, outside!" and "Watch tip!" rang out around the court, and each point--won or lost--would be met with another chorus of screams. The culmination of this set ended with a score of 25-20 East once again; just one more set and they would be the victors.
Yet of course, in keeping with the excitement and ever-increasing suspense, this was not the case. As the fourth set came to a close, it was actually West who ended up claiming it. Now, the two teams were tied once more, a fact which ushered in what is known as the Deciding Set. During this finale, the two teams only play to fifteen points; and whichever side reaches that number first wins the entire game. Tensions were at an all-time high, pulses were racing, and fingernails were definitely being chewed in anticipation. The long and taxing game had certainly taken its toll on the girls; yet though tired, their eyes flashed with the unspoken declaration of "fight on". Thus began the final set.
It was off to a promising start, with East at six points before West even made it on the board. However, the Navigators slowly began to catch up, with each point inching ever closer to the Storm's score. As the rallies grew longer, the screams grew louder and emotions became even more heated. It would have come as no surprise if someone had suddenly fainted from the intangible force of it all.
Yet amidst the roar of those watching and the hollers of coaches and players on the sidelines, the one who emerged was our own Sturgis East, with a final score of 15-12. Although a great deal of the players’ energy had been spent in it, they all still had the energy to let out cries of delight and joy at their victory. Following their previous loss against West, it was not only a fantastic game but also an incredibly satisfying one. The Sturgis East Volleyball team played valiantly, with unbelievable fortitude and determination, earning them a well-deserved and exuberant triumph.
Be there at the team's next game on Wednesday the 12th against Nantucket at the HYCC!