On Thursday, at the second section playoff game for girls varsity volleyball, both the SPA and Math and Science Academy parents’ sections were exceptionally lively as the teams played. The atmosphere was electric as students from both sides drummed on the bleachers and waved pom poms in the air. Adding to the excitement, the families of SPA captains Eliana Mann and Negan Degnan donned custom printed Hawaiian shirts featuring their faces, a unique and spirited way to celebrate the team.

The first section game of the season started off strong for volleyball against the Math and Science Academy Dragons. The Spartans took advantage of the Dragons lack of coordination and were able to land multiple strikes and serves that disoriented their opponents. Mann repeatedly showed her killer serve which surged their morale and points. The set ended in favor of the home team with a spike from freshman Murphy Miltner.

The second set began with a large lead from SPA that the Dragons were unable to keep up with. “A high point was the second set because the energy was really high and we were in our groove,” said Miltner. It ended with another serve from Mann putting the score at 2-0.

Although the Spartans began another set with a strong lead, the Dragons were able to match their points again and again putting stress on the team. Halfway through the set, Dragons player Madeline Holthaus sustained an injury to her leg and was pulled from the game. But, Math and Science Academy Dragons stayed positive and pushed forward. The set ended with SPA taking home the victory after preventing the Dragons from scoring the last few points.

“A low point was at the end when we let them get under our skin a bit, the student sections started picking it up and saying some stuff. But another high point was at the end when we ended up pulling through and winning,” Miltner said.

The next GVV section game will be at Nova Classical Academy today agaisnt the Nova Knights.