Blazers devoured by Eagles

APRIL 12, NELSON H. KOBREN MEMORIAL GYMNASIUM—

Like the last home game, Blair was without its star setter. Like the last away game, Blair started slow. This time, though, the team didn't revive itself after the first set. The Blazers (3-2) lost to the Seneca Valley Eagles 1-3.

Coach John Mott foresaw a "tough game" for the Blazers. Freshman setter Julie Zhu was absent again for art class and a few key players were late to warm up. To counter the inexperience of sophomore setter Christie Lin, Mott placed senior co-captain Zack Koerper opposite to Lin in case she needed assistance during play. Before the game, Mott deemed Seneca Valley (4-1) a more solid team than the last few Blair had encountered.

Koerper, Lin and senior co-captain Tina Yang played the whole game. All three played hard but with less accuracy and organization than usual. It was Lin's second game of the season and Tina Yang had been wearing a knee brace because of cartilage problems. "We were having trouble working as a team," said Lin. "We didn't warm up to our potential and we didn't have much energy. We weren't as focused." The lack of focus resulted in less consistency and power in Blair serves. Blair scarcely had any aces today.

Some Blazers believed that the cheerleading squad and the referee's questionable calls created more distractions for the already mentally lacking Blazer minds.

Mott and Koerper agreed that the Blazers' play was less than expected. "We couldn't serve, pass or serve-receive…," said Mott.

Koerper then interrupted Mott. "Those are all the components to a solid game. It looked like we were sleeping," said Koerper bluntly.

Coed volleyball's next match is at Quince Orchard at 5:15 p.m. on April 14.