On fire, senior Noelle Boltz serves against Bexley. (Andrew Barren’/Media editor)

On Thursday, August 29, Academy’s volleyball team had its biggest game of the year against Bexley. After tying with this league last year, the Vikes were ready to bring their best to the court. 

The Vikings and the Lions were well matched as they went neck and neck throughout the first set, with tension palpable throughout the gym as the score reached 23-24. Our girls fought to hold, bringing the score to 24-24 as they toughed out an intense rally. After junior Lily Plaugher’s fantastic serve, we won the point, taking the first set 27-25.

CA started the second set strong. As Bexley began to pull ahead, Sophia Freytag’20 spiked a ball that Bexley failed to reach, giving us our momentum back. The Vikings crept up on Bexley’s lead, coming to a 20-22 standoff after a spike by Plaugher. But Bexley ended up claiming the second set 25-27.

The whole team shined during the third set. After an early lead from a spike by Sarah Edwards’20, Noelle Boltz’20 held strong against Bexley’s relentless attacks with phenomenal saves. Sophomore Kerry O’Connor then secured an 11-5 lead with an ace, but it was not enough to stop the Lions’ comeback. After the Vikes’ respectable effort, they fell in the third set 25-23. 

Bexley closed out the game by taking the fourth set 15-25. 

Despite the 1-3 loss, the Vikings are striving to improve their 3-3 record in their next home match against CSG on Thursday, September 5.