The varsity girls’ volleyball team beat Suncoast Community High School on Thursday, Sept. 12 with a set score of 3-2. The match was the ninth consecutive win for the Lady Warriors after losing their season opener against Lake Worth Christian.

After losing the first two games to the Chargers, the Lady Warriors rallied in the last two sets to win the match 18-25, 25-13, 20-25, 25-22, 15-11.

“No matter where we hit the ball it seemed like they would pick it up and hit it back for us to pick it up. Rallies lasted a good two minutes,” senior hitter Chloe Jezerinac said.

Head coach Blane Betz motivates the team by reminding them this is the year they can return to states.

“When you have a strong team like we have this year there’s a lot of high expectations for the girls and for the program. There can be some additional pressure on the players and the coach to make sure the team is always playing their best and wins the important matches that takes them further to regionals and hopefully to states,” Betz said.

In true One Tribe fashion, the team called on its fans to support the girls with a “Black Out.” Everyone in the crowd was dressed in black to support the Lady Warriors.

“I love the crowds. They are always hyping us up. They are awesome,” Jezerinac said. “I played for Suncoast my freshman year, and they are totally our rivals. They beat us last year, so it was great to beat them tonight.”

Although the match went into extra sets, lasting until after 10 p.m., fans stayed and supported the team.

“It was exciting to see the intensity given off by the crowd because it drove the girls to win their 3 sets. With the stands being filled with fans it made the experience enjoyable,” senior Kylie Ilhardt said.

The Lady Warriors play Wellington High School Wolverines on the road on Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.