Marina
The Emporia High Lady Spartans pulled off an exciting 3-2 victory against Ottawa in a pre-league volleyball matchup, boosting their record to 13-8.
This win not only extended their winning streak but also gave the team confidence heading into one of the most important tournaments of the season.
Match Recap: Set-by-Set Drama
| Set | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Set 1 | Emporia | 25-19 |
| Set 2 | Emporia | 25-15 |
| Set 3 | Ottawa | 25-22 |
| Set 4 | Ottawa | 25-16 |
| Set 5 | Emporia | 15-7 |
The Lady Spartans came out strong, taking the first two sets convincingly. Ottawa then fought back to level the match at 2-2, forcing a decisive fifth set. Emporia regained control in the final set with a dominant performance, securing the win.
Team Form and Momentum
- Overall Record: 13-8
- Recent Form: 4-2 in last six matches
- Winning Streak: Two consecutive victories heading into the league tournament
Ottawa’s comeback attempt showed resilience, but Emporia’s ability to close the game reflects a team finding consistency at the right time.
Coach Wang’s Insights
Head Coach Jiangping Wang acknowledged the team’s up-and-down performance during the match:
“We normally play 2 out of 3, so we lost focus for the 3rd and 4th set. Ottawa didn’t change anything; it’s all on us, as we could not play consistently.”
Despite losing momentum mid-match, she praised the team’s ability to finish strong:
“We had a great start to the match, and even though Ottawa took the 3rd and 4th set, I felt we were able to come back and play our game in the last set. It was a good win for us. I think consistency is what we need right now.”
Preparing for the League Tournament
The Lady Spartans now look toward the League Tournament on October 4. They will face strong teams like Topeka High, Hayden, Junction City, and Manhattan. Against these opponents, Emporia holds a 4-1 record, with Manhattan being their only loss.
Coach Wang emphasized the challenge:
“The tournament is going to be tough. Some teams we have beaten once, but can you beat them twice? We need to control what we can control, come out strong, and play our game.”
Building Chemistry Off the Court
To keep players fresh and motivated, Wang gave the team two Fridays off recently and organized team-bonding activities. These breaks allowed the athletes to recharge physically and mentally, strengthening their unity before the big tournament.
Why This Win Matters
This five-set victory highlighted both the strengths and challenges of the Lady Spartans. Their ability to rally in the final set demonstrates resilience—a quality that will be crucial in the upcoming league games.
The Emporia High Lady Spartans showed determination and grit in their 3-2 victory over Ottawa. While inconsistency remains a challenge, the win proves they can deliver under pressure.
With momentum on their side and a renewed focus on consistency, the Lady Spartans are ready to take on the League Tournament and showcase their true potential.