Saddleback rolled early as they defeated the Hornets 3-0 Friday night inside The Hornets Nest. However, the result does not tell the tale of the entire match.
The Bobcats (6-3, 2-0) took the first set easily, 25-12. They were dedicated and focused on the game as soon as they stepped on the court, ready to take home their second conference win.
“We’re young in some areas. We’re still working on trying to stay focused as much as we can right now,” said Saddleback head coach Brian Hughes.
The Hornets struggled mightily during their first two sets, as Saddleback sophomore outside hitter Delaney Wilson made it hard for them with her multiple kills.
“In order for us to be able to compete with top-tier teams in the league, we’ve got to make sure we play the same, we stay even between the ears and that we shrug off adversity, not worrying about the scoreboard ever,” said Fullerton head coach Kevin Hitt.
With a lack of communication skills and the team’s apprehension, at times it seemed they were scared to go for the ball. Despite the scoreboard, the team played untroubled.
“During the third round, we stopped caring about the score, as we started playing more for ourselves and almost for fun with positive energy,” said freshman opposite hitter Emma Orrell.
In the third match, the Hornets (2-7, 0-3) started to figure things out. They seemed to play more competitive, defensive and engaged, coming up short in the last set 25-23.
“Fullerton did a really good job of just continuing to play hard,” said Hughes.
With freshman outside hitter Bri Stotmore’s amazing spikes, Fullerton kept the match going. The Hornets worked together to communicate and develop their skills, making it harder for the Bobcats.
“We changed the momentum a little, making some substitutions, putting in some kids and trying to give them some opportunities to show what they can do,” said Hughes.
The Hornets look to find their way into the win column in OEC play next time out, when they play at Goldenwest (3-7, 1-2) on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m.