By Ariana Rathan
On Tuesday night, the Barons lost to Corona del Mar (CDM) 0-3. During this well-played and well-fought game, the Barons showed off their technique and never-ending stamina against CDM.
The first set of the game consisted of the Barons hitting down balls and playing short rallies. When CDM would score a point, the Barons would earn them right back.
The aggressive down balls and spikes won by Barons’ were made by seniors Anton Pham, Kailer Wesley and James Templin.
As the points went back and forth between the teams, CDM won the first set with a close score of 23-25.
Determined to win the second set, the Barons started off strong with complete bump-set spikes, blocking, and serves.
The teamwork that the Barons showed during the second set positively affected the way they played. Whether they scored or not, missed or made a hit, the team cheered each other on.
The communication on the court was clear between the players, which helped them get the ball over the net.
Almost everyone on the team scored an ace and the crowd and teammates alike would erupt in cheers and encouragement. Every player on the court got to bring their best to the second set.
Templin’s plays were highlighted during this set, he ran across the court to hit the ball over the net, spike down on the other team with flawless technique or aid his teammates during their plays.
“James Templin played super well, and other than that we need to work on improving unforced errors, we made too many. We can also work on blocking, it’s always been an especially in the first set, but other than that I think they played well,” varsity assistant coach Steve Galloway said.
Despite the fight, the Barons lost the set 23-25 to CDM, but had improved and were ready.
By the third set, the Barons still had the determination and were fired up to win. They did everything they could to keep the ball off of the ground whether that meant tipping the ball over, making incredible saves, running halfway across the court or just jumping high into the air when blocking.
Senior Treay Parazzo refused to let the ball touch the ground. He made incredible dives that would save the ball just seconds before touching the floor. Parazzo would jump halfway across the court just to keep the ball up and pass it to his teammates.
After the final set, the Barons lost 20-25 but were proud of how hard they fought against a difficult opponent.
“Even though we are losing I think our teamwork and team bonding is really good right now and I hope it just persists that way,” junior Joshua Dang said.
Despite the loss, the Barons bonded with each other will continue to use their strengths and work on their weaknesses to improve for the remainder of the season.
