The girls’ varsity volleyball team faced off against their rival Quince Orchard on Senior Night, October 1 with the intention of extending their undefeated season to 11 games. The match was much anticipated as it was against the red hot 9-1 Cougars and the final home game for six Patriot seniors.

The rivalry started off in a standstill as no team could gain a lead larger than three points early in the first set. This would soon change as the Patriots would go on a five-point run to stretch the lead to 12-6. The lead would not prove to be enough for the Patriots as the Cougars went on a point streak of their own to lead 18-16 and force the Patriots’ Coach Mary Malinauskas into using a timeout. The timeout would not lead to any success as the Cougars went on to win the first set 25-22.

The second set was tightly contested out of the gates as no team led by more than four points until it was tied 16-16. The Patriots quickly won three points in a row and caused the Cougars to take their first timeout of the match. This timeout would not stop the momentum as the Patriots would win nine of the next 13 points to win the second set 25-20 and even the match at one set apiece.

Junior Parker Leibowitz said, “I thought that QO had the momentum and controlled the first set but I felt that we could easily turn it around and bounce back in the next set. In the second set I felt that we regained control of the match and we could easily finish the season undefeated.” 

This momentum would carry onto the third and fourth sets as the Patriots won both sets by an average of more than eight points and they won their 11th straight match with ease. The team received key contributions from seniors Cansu Moral, Giselle Kleinbussink and Samantha Bolze. Moral’s clutch serves were vital to the team as one of her aces gave the Patriots a set point opportunity and seized the third set. Bolze showcased her incredible hustle as she dove practically in the bleachers to maintain a set going out of bounds. Kleinbussink powered the offense with a multitude of kills and answered the call whenever the Patriots needed a point. 

Senior Samantha Bolze said, “It was super exciting and I loved the support from the fans at the game. I think we are going to do well in the playoffs if we can keep the same energy.”

The Patriots will have two road games to finish the season as they look to remain unbeaten against Kennedy and Rockville before heading into the playoffs.

Coach Malinauskas was not available to comment on the victory.