Windward Spikers Fall in Four

The Windward School girls varsity volleyball team had played well at home prior to Thursday's Alpha League match against rival Brentwood. The Wildcats started the season 5-0 in their own gym, but they suffered their first loss in four sets to the defending league champion.

“Today was a big game for us. We have our spirit barbecue, so we knew that it was going to be a great crowd," Windward Coach Damon Van Leeuwen said. "We were right in there, it was simply a point here or there and the game could have been totally different.”

Neither team was able to jump out to a big lead in the first set. The score stayed within a couple of points throughout until the Wildcats held two set points at 24-22. However, Brentwood buckled down to tie it 24-24, then saved one more set point before winning, 27-25.

“It was a tough one to lose," Van Leeuwen said of the first set. "We were really close at the end and who knows what happens if we hold on there. But we didn’t and that’s why Brentwood is really good.”

Brentwood jumped to a 13-7 lead in the second set and extended it to 17-10 before the Wildcats started to creep back. Spurred on by the support of their home fans, they pulled even at 22-22 before Brentwood came through yet again, reeling off three straight points to win 25-22 and take a commanding two-sets-to-none lead.

In the third set Windward took the early lead, 9-5, then extended its advantage to 16-10. However, the Eagles once again rallied, winning seven of the next eight points to tie it 17-17.

Thanks to star freshman Christina Cornelius, the Wildcats were able to make a late run and take the third set, 25-21, to keep their hopes of victory alive.

“We made some great adjustments in the third set, we played with a lot of heart and the crowd really helped us out," Van Leeuwen said. "I’m glad we didn’t quit. It was great to see the girls fight."

Much like most of the match, the fourth set went back and forth, with each side  enjoying small leads. It was tied 19-19 when Brentwood took control yet again.  Behind some great serving, the Eagles won four of the next five points to build a 23-20 lead. Windward won the next two, but Brentwood closed out the match, 25-22.

“This league is tough," Van Leeuwen said. "Three of the top five teams in our division are in this league so it’s going to be tough. We are doing well, though and improving as we go on."

Brentwood (12-4, 1-1) is trying to repeat as league champion.

“This is a tough place to play, but our blocking was the key tonight," Eagles Coach Jeff Porter said. "Katie Russell had seven stuff blocks, which I’m pretty sure is a school record. That was really the key for us. It was great to see that productivity."

The loss dropped Windward to 7-5 overall and 1-1 in league. The Wildcats host defending CIF Southern Section Division 3A champion Campbell Hall at 4 p.m. next Thursday.

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