The Indians of Fort Defiance defeated the varsity volleyball team in five sets on Tuesday, September 22. The nearly 2 hour long game began with HHS winning a set. However, throughout the rest of the game the leading team alternated between Fort Defiance and HHS, ultimately resulting in a tie after the first four sets. At approximately 9:25, Fort Defiance defeated HHS in the last set 6-15. According to junior Jessica Denton, the defeat was primarily due to the team’s overall lack of energy.

“We didn’t really have enough momentum. Our main problem was just a lack of energy.” Denton said.

Although the team has been competing since early September, junior Athena Benton says there’s still much room for improvement. For Benton, the team’s main fault during this game was the starting times.

“Our starts were pretty slow, so once our starts are slow our team gets pretty down about it. I think we should work on that.” Benton said.

After the first two sets and again after the first four, the two teams held a tie. According to Benton, the pressure of a tie in the score can affect overall performance.

“I get a little bit more desperate, but I try to make it not affect me too much. I think it does help me in a way, but not the team overall.” Benton said.

Despite the loss, Benton says the team is still hopeful for more wins in the future.

“I definitely want more wins. Our score is pretty bad right now, so I’m looking forward to playing teams that we can definitely beat.” Benton said.

For Denton, the only way to stay motivated after a loss is to keep moving forward.

“You always have to be in the present. You can’t dwell on the past.” Denton said.

The next varsity volleyball game will be against Broadway, on Thursday, September 24.