Wakefield volleyball
Following their 3-0 win over Enloe Tuesday, members of the Wakefield volleyball team celebrate the Lady Wolverines' second conference title in school history.
Perfection
Wakefield volleyball finishes regular season 20-0
When asked if the Wakefield volleyball team's undefeated season — including its 3-0 win over Enloe Tuesday, clinching the Cap-7 Conference title outright — was worth the stress, Katie Slay shared a different point of view: the Lady Wolverines earned the right to be stressed.
"A friend of mine told me that "Pressure is a privilege,'" the senior said. "So having this pressure on our back, we earned it and worked hard for it."
Despite having perfection hang over them — the squad was 19-0 entering its match with the Eagles — it wasn't the only reason Tuesday's regular-season finale was significant.
It was the Lady Wolverines' senior night. But also the match determined if Wakefield won the league title outright. Enloe dropped just one match this season, a 3-0 defeat to the Lady Wolverines Sept. 22. And with a victory, the Eagles could have claimed a share of the championship.
But Wakefield wouldn't allow it, jumping out in the first set to a 25-16 victory.
Click here for highlights of Wakefield's 3-0 win over Enloe.
The turning point of the set came early as the Eagles took a 8-5 advantage. Wakefield sophomore Elizabeth Campbell served six consecutive points, staking a lead the Lady Wolverines never relinquished.
Wakefield carried its momentum into the second set, racing to a 10-3 lead. The Eagles climbed back within two points, 18-16, but couldn't continue its surge as the Lady
Wolverines prevailed 25-20.
Enloe didn't relent in the final set, leading 17-14. But the lead wouldn't hold up as Wakefield won 25-23.
"Enloe really played a great game against us tonight," Slay said. "They came out and gave us a challenge and in that third set, it was really exciting — they were really playing well. We were really forced to step up to the plate.
"They really tested us. And I was really happy we were able to come out with the win."
With the team's exchanging several long rallies, the senior credited the Lady Wolverines' defense for the victory.
Sophomore Kylie Sicking and Grace Cho made a handful of impressive digs to keep Wakefield alive.
"Kylie is crazy out there," Slay said. "You will think that the ball is going to hit the ground, but she'll slide in and pop it up.
"It is really a blessing to have her back there."
Catherine Coston (12) and the Lady Wolverines didn't lose a single game in the regular season.
As has been the case all season, the Lady Wolverines' communication and chemistry was a big factor, Wakefield coach Cynthia Terrell said.
"Those have been major strengths of this team," the coach said. "There might be times when we trail, but like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we will find a way to beat you.
"And Enloe is such a good opponent. They were tenacious, they gave it their all."
Several Lady Wolverines also had standout performances Tuesday, including Cho (19 assists), Sicking (12 assists, eight digs), Bryn Pfeiffer (six digs) and Cally Pfeiffer (19 assists, four digs).
"Cally did a great job setting tonight," pointed out Slay, who added 24 kills.
Campbell added nine kills.
Prior to the contest, Wakefield celebrated the careers of its three seniors, Molly Patton, Julie Wenick and Slay.
"I have played with Julie since seventh grade, and Molly since ninth, so we have been playing awhile together," Slay said. "It's nice to win with them because we are close friends."
Terrell admitted the squad was motivated to win the title outright.
"We wanted to win the conference, and get our year on the banner," the coach said, alluding to the banner displaying Wakefield's first league title in 2005.
"And as soon as that [final] point was made, I thought you know, this team definitely deserves to be up there. It is a dream that became a reality."
Slay admitted she didn't expect an unbeaten season entering the year.
"If you told me we would go undefeated, I would have thought, 'No. No way,'" she said. "But I was really excited about the team because of our chemistry coming into the season. I think our team did a good job of sticking together. In the past we had good chemistry, but this year, it has been even better chemistry.
"We are able to be work together as a team."
And no team was better.
With its conference title, the Lady Wolverines receive a first-round bye in the league tournament, which begins Thursday, Oct. 15. Wakefield returns to action Monday at Broughton. The squad's opponent will be determined Thursday.
