The Arlington volleyball team took its third-set loss to Douglas County West hard.
Despite a 2-0 Thursday deficit that led to the 3-0 loss, the Eagles — who went on to win two matches Saturday — hadn't given up hope.
“They're here to fight,” coach Katarina Nelson said. “They're not just going to lay down.”
AHS — led by seniors Mallory Ruwe, Kali Thomsen and Claire Allen — competed tough during the 25-22 third set, but ultimately fell to 5-16 this season. It lost the first and second sets by 25-18 and 25-12 scores, respectively.
“It's the little things,” Nelson said. “It wasn't anything major. It's just all of those little things that add up.”
The Eagles fell behind 10-3 during the first set, but didn't give the Falcons anymore cushion as the race to 25 went on. Kate Miller notched a kill through the center of DC West's defense to pull AHS within four, 12-8, while Kailynn Gubbels scored back-to-back points late. The junior's spike to the back corner landed to make the score 23-17 before she then dunked the ball over the net to get the Eagles within five.
Ultimately, though, the Falcons went ahead 1-0 and then 2-0 with their 13-point win during the second set. Arlington's Janessa Wakefield notched an ace to start the third — while Chase Andersen, Thomsen and Miller tallied notable kills during it — but the match ended in a home disappointment as DCW improved to 13-8.
Eagles sweep through triangular
AHS' fight continued Saturday with a triangular at Conestoga. The Eagles swept through their matches against Logan View/Scribner-Snyder and the Cougars as they improved to 7-16.
First, Nelson's squad beat Logan View 25-17, 25-22. Andersen — who finished Thursday's match with nine kills and 17 digs — ended the first set with a kill from the middle of the floor, while Miller finished the match by hammering the ball through a Raider block.
Then, to end the road trip 2-0, Arlington topped its host 25-18, 25-13.
