On Thursday, August 23rd the Metea Valley Mustangs varsity girls volleyball team fell to the St. Charles East Saints in two hard-fought sets but are looking to regain some momentum from last year’s winning season.

After beating the Saints in three intense sets during the 2013-14 season, Coach Dave MacDonald and the Mustangs tried to repeat in shutting down the Saints this past Thursday on the Mustang’s home court.

Junior libero Autumn Long knew that St. Charles East would be a difficult game, but came into the match with confidence in her teammates. “I was nervous knowing that we are a younger, newer team but we came out with confidence and wanted to win; it was a disappointing loss” said Long.

The Mustangs came out strong in the first game with high-energy and excitement to play their first match of the regular season. They kept a close score in the first game with a block from junior right side Alexis Bass and numerous kills from senior outside hitter Lexie Lobdell, but unfortunately lost 25-21. After losing, the Mustangs faced numerous service and rotational errors that led to the Saints defeating them 25-15, ending the match in straight sets.

Coach MacDonald credits Lobdell and junior middle blocker Ashley Walker for their leadership as captains thus far this season. “They have been preparing the girls well for this first game, we fought hard in the first set but we need to work harder in practice to eliminate some of the errors we saw in tonight’s game,” said MacDonald.

The young Metea program has established itself as a competitive contender in the IHSA in the past two seasons. Highlights from the past two years include beating Neuqua Valley for the first time, clinching the Upstate 8 Valley conference title two years running and making it to the regional championship last season. Despite their successes, they are completely focused on the season ahead.

“Our initial goals this season are to repeat as conference champions and win our first regional championship, and I know with the strength of the schedule we will be prepared mentally and physically to achieve our goal of a regional plaque,” said MacDonald.

Lobdell wants to continue the program success as well, but knows that there is a long road ahead before playoffs. “Obviously it would be great to win a regional this year, but we need to practice, grow as team and focus on the regular season before we can begin to start thinking about the postseason,” said Lobdell.

This loss is motivating the Mustangs to win in their first Upstate 8 Valley conference game today, Tuesday, September 2nd in a district 204 rivalry game versus Neuqua Valley. “The loss only makes the team and I want to work harder in practice to come out with the win Tuesday,” said Long.

By Drew Danko