By Kiara Paul |Staff Writer|
Coyote volleyball played the Monterey Bay Otters resulting in an impressive 3-1 win on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The Coyotes entered the court with determination to win and it showed throughout the game.
The Otters started with the first serve, giving them the upper-hand and allowing Otter Anela Viesio to get the first kill.
The Coyotes quickly responded with Malika O’Brien and Brenna McIntosh completing two kills.
The ladies kept up the energy, winning the first round 25-17.
Coyotes continued the streak through the second round with a total of 17 kills, eventually winning the second round 25-12.
The Otters started the third round with a drive they did not show earlier in the match.
Neck and neck from the first serve, the Coyotes sensed the pressure and intensity the Otters were bringing.
With the entire arena on edge, the teams battled it out with one kill after the next, bringing it to one of the most climatic plays of the night.
Coyotes and Otters, 23-22, with the next few plays essential to win the third round.
One kill by Otters’ Victoria Clardy brought the teams to a tie.
The Otters continued with two more kills by Jessica Malcolm, allowing the Otters take the third round with three kills.
With the overall score at 2-1, the Coyotes started the fourth round with disappointment, but pushed forward with each woman giving it their all.
Even with the stress of losing the last round, the Coyotes stayed positive and continued to motivate each other.
“The organization, focus, and positive attitude that the girls display is amazing,” said Adon Chau, a first time spectator.
After an attack error made by Clardy, the Coyotes were awarded the first point.
As the forth round continued, the importance of winning could be seen by both teams.
Coyotes remained in the lead until the Otters caught up, tying both teams yet again, 18-18.
It was crucial for the Coyotes to win this round.
Two kills by Lauren Nicholson and an attack error by Otters’ Jessica Malcolm put the Coyotes ahead 21-19.
Intensity filled the arena, two kills from Otters’ Ashlynne Armstrong and an attack error from the Coyotes put the Otters in the lead 21-22.
Otters attack errors resulted in the Coyotes taking the lead.
With the game at a close 24-23, the Coyotes got the final point with a kill by Alexandra Torline, winning the game 3-1.
Overall, Coyotes put forth all their effort against the Otters, with 16 kills and two service aces in the fourth round.
All together the Coyotes had 55 kills throughout the course of four rounds as well as a higher hitting percentage, Otters with .095 compared to Coyotes with .192.
“I am relieved that we won,” said head coach Kim Cherniss, “this was a tight game.”
She continued, “Monterey Bay is a great team and they forced us to do things we normally wouldn’t do.”
With the win of this game Cherniss says she has now “been happy 13 times and only sad three times,” referring to the losses earlier in the season.
As for the Coyotes, they radiated with relief and happiness after their 13th win this season.
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