7th:
Last night, the North Cougars hit the road for their first away game of the season, taking on the Cross Timbers. The A team started off the action with high energy and determination, putting up a fierce fight throughout both sets. Despite their valiant effort, the team ultimately came up short, falling in two sets. Brielle Ownby was a standout on serve receive, showing exceptional composure under pressure. Brylee Felix demonstrated incredible precision with her sets, creating opportunities for the offense. Annabelle Ross dominated the front row, consistently delivering powerful hits that kept the defense on their toes giving her player of the game! The team may not have come away with the win, but their teamwork and resilience were undeniable. We're proud of the effort and can't wait to see how they continue to grow throughout the season. Go Cougars!
Next up, the B teams took the court with undeniable energy and determination, ready to battle it out. They played with great intensity, but despite their best efforts, they couldn't quite clinch the victory, falling in two hard-fought sets. Ella Snow and Scarlett Smith stood out with impressive passing that kept the game competitive. However, Kate McGrath stole the show, earning Player of the Game honors for her outstanding all-around performance. Not only did she shine with her passing, but she also led the team with an incredible 8 serves for points! Though the scoreboard didn’t reflect their effort, the B team showed grit and potential. We’re excited to see how they build on this performance moving forward. Go Cougars!
Last but certainly not least, the C teams took the court, and they meant business from the start. Though Cross Timbers managed to claim the first set, the North Cougars were far from done. In a thrilling second set, tied at 17 with both teams out of substitutions, our girls were forced to play out of position. But that didn’t faze them! The Cougars dug deep and fought hard to take the second set, refusing to back down. For the first time this season, the Cougars! headed into a decisive third set—and they wasted no time, swiftly defeating Cross Timbers to secure an exciting victory! Valentina Sanchez Prado was a force all the way around the court, Anna Dinsmore's passing was on fire, and Connie Amsler’s serves were nothing short of amazing. However, Player of the Game honors went to Aliah Espinosa, whose stellar sets, strong passing, and clutch ace sealed the win in the second set, propelling the team to the third.
It was a hard-earned win for the Cougars, showing their resilience and teamwork! Onward and upward—Go Cougars!
8th:
For the first road game of the season B team showed up to put on quite a show with several ladies having their best game of the season. Serving was dominated by Sienna Petereit with her personal best of 12 serving points for the year. During game two she went 8 in a row! Madison Shelby had her best hitting and passing game thus far contributing numerous passes that helped us set up great plays. Brooklyn Winfield and Jalina Suarez each played their positions beautifully and really helped the team with some amazing rallies. Cross Timbers came to play and so did the Cougars with the game going to 3 sets with each game only being decided by 3 points or less. While we did fall short in the end it was not for a lack of trying! All of us are eager for a rematch!!!
Matching up against a team that you know is paralleled in skill and just as hungry for the win means that anything can happen. The A team showed up ready to play. While the match ended 0-2 (21-25, 23-25) in favor of the Wolves, there were many shining moments amongst all 9 players. Shoutout to Olly Anene, Middle Blocker, who leads the team in blocks and is an integral part of the Cougars net play. Allison Lewis, Libero, continues to be a threat in defense and is also the team leader in passing. Taylor Mechsner, a 6 rotation player, showed out with kills from the outside pin, as well as multiple kills on the back row. Player of the game is awarded to Kaitlyn Thiele, Setter/OH and team captain, for her vocal leadership skills and taking control of the Cougar’s offensive game for the duration of the match.
Last to take the court was the C team. Several changes had to be made at the last minute and those who had their positions altered a bit, Moca De Mayo and Harper Fiveash, really stepped up and helped take the game to 3 matches. The first game was won 25-15 with Harper Fiveash dominating the serving line with 10 serves for the night! You could tell she knew she had a job to do. The attitude and relentless refusal to quick by this team is what made Cross Timbers have to work hard for their win. This game was a true team effort with all the girls contributing in some way. London Lock did some of her best work at the net of the season and over all these girls should be proud of the work they made Cross Timbers have to do. While Cross Timbers did get the sweep the Cougars showed they are a force to be reckoned with.
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