The Blazers take down the Titans in a tight five-set game

On March 25, Blair’s coed volleyball team secured a win against Einstein after an extraneous, but highly engaging, back-and-forth match. In the initial stages, the Blazers were hot, assuming dominance in the first set. Later, in the third and fourth sets, the tide shifted as Einstein began to acclimate to the match.

The most notable point of the first set was a tip kill from outside hitter #1, senior Theo Hamaide. Later, Einstein returned the energy, scoring themselves a tip kill right back, tying it up at 2-2. The environment really indicated that the game was centered on smart and strategic offense, with the majority of the kills from both sides being either tips or rolls. For most of the first set, Einstein was playing catch-up. This is thanks to Blair taking strategic breaks to convene, if they were starting to lose their lead. Excellent game management by the Blazers coach. This strategy forced Einstein to call a frantic timeout while they were down 17-12, which was eventually unsuccessful as the Blazers won the first set 25-20.

Coming off a win in the first set, Blair was able to keep up that energy and bounce back after every point. The Titans had a lot of strong hitters, but the Blazers covered well and stayed steady on serve receive. The highlight of the second set was from Blair #9, junior Max McRay’s backrow kill, who hit the ball at such an incredible speed that Einstein’s defense just couldn’t receive it. The Titans gave away the second set, ending it with a missed serve on their side. 

Even though the Blazers came in confident with two wins in their pocket, the Titans gained their first lead of the game at 7-10, making Blair call a timeout. Einstein finally found their groove as they pumped out amazing diving saves and put extreme amounts of effort into both defence and offence. As a result, Blair lost the third set 18-25. 

Coming into the fourth set, the Blazers’ energy was visibly depleted. Einstein's perseverance was starting to dominate the match, and the scoreboard reflected that. They consistently led the entire set, leaving the Blazers distraught. Although there were many highlights from Blair’s side, like senior setter Kacy Nguyen’s one-armed line dig, and outside Theo Hamaide’s foot save, the team ultimately could not put it away, resulting in Einstein securing the fourth set 25-21.

The pressure was on for the fifth set, and the energy in the gym was electric. The Einstein student section shouted taunts and cheers, but the Blazers remained calm under the stress. The Titans were giving away points with nets, doubles, and missed serves. The Blazers found their rhythm again and led the entire third set. Securing aces, tip kills, and blocks. Blair was able to win the fifth set 15-11. 

This win placed Blair 10th overall in the MCPS coed standings. Come catch the team’s next game on Mar. 27 at Northwood High School.

Catch the Blazers at their next home game against the Rockville Rams on April 8 at 5:30 p.m.