On Tuesday, April 28, the Kennedy Boy’s Volleyball team defeated Merced High School for a spot in the playoffs and ended with a win moving on in the bracket.
Merced’s record from the regular season was 10-9 while Kennedy’s was 14-7.
The Cougars set the tone early with the crowd delivering high energy cheering for each time Kennedy scored while the bench kept up with their support for their teammates. At the end of the first set, Kennedy won 25-22.
Once the second set began, the Cougars still kept their momentum and kept control, determined to win the game and make it to the playoffs. Kennedy junior and varsity volleyball player Jeovone’ Scott emphasized the importance of the game simply stating, “We’ve been wanting to play in the playoffs since the start of the season.
Kennedy won the second set 25-17 with no sign to slow down. The energy in the stadium was high and the crowd was into the game supporting the players as they were two sets away from the win.
The third set started and the Cougars immediately took control, getting point after point and keeping the ball for most of the set, only letting Merced score 12 points. The gym was pulsing with cheers as Kennedy freshman Blake Swann was unstoppable, getting blocks, saving points and spikes. Kennedy won the third set 25-12.
As the last set was beginning, the Cougars were ready to close out the game and prepare for the next game ahead of them. The Cougars kept their momentum they had earlier in the game, but eventually it started to slip and Merced started to make a comeback.
As the Cougars were ready to seal the deal, they let Merced have the ball and they were on a rally to turn the game around, down 3 sets and the Cougars already slipping, they had to finish strong. In the end, the Cougars won 25-22 making it into the playoffs.
The team’s energy after was unexplainable, players immediately started to celebrate after the big win and the gym was full of joy.
Junior Jeovone’ Scott was interviewed after the game and was asked how the team plans to keep their momentum for the next game.
“We just want to carry the momentum from this game and keep the energy up just from this game,” Scott said. “And I think we’ll for sure get the dub.”
He was also asked who they will face next: “We’re going to play Vista Del Lago all the way in Folsom at 6 [PM].”
Senior Hiram Garcia was also interviewed post game and was asked the same questions.
“We feel very excited because we have the actual play off game against Vista Del Lago,” Garcia said. “And we’re carrying the momentum to the next game and hopefully make it to finals. Carry each other’s morals, boost each other, make each other happy, play hard, and just take it.”
He also said he plans to celebrate by taking his family out to eat.
Their next game is against Vista Del Lago in Folsom CA at 6 PM tonight on April 29. If you can, make sure to support your Cougars and cheer them on.
Congratulations to the players on this win and good luck the rest of the way.
