FOWLER – The match between Fowler High and Firebaugh High might have appeared one-sided as the Redcats welcomed the Eagles in a non-conference game. After all, the Eagles came in with a 2-10 record while the Redcats entered play with a 5-4 record.
Despite the difference, both teams played a fast and competitive match that resulted in the Redcats defeating the pesky Eagles, 3-0 (25-21, 25-18. 25-16) in their non-conference match on Sept. 10. With their victory, the Redcats improved their record to 6-4 on the season. As for the Eagles, they dropped to a disappointing 2-11.
This could have potentially been a trap game for the Redcats considering the Eagles terrible start to the season. Despite the difference in their records, the Redcats weren’t going to take the Eagles for granted. “We saw them in the summer during summer league too, and it was a tough competition,” said Fowler head coach Monica Aguilar.
The Redcats found out right away just how tough the Eagles were. The Eagles started the match with some hard serves and kills that caught the Redcats off guard to open the set. They forced the Redcats into some early mistakes that resulted in an Eagles’ 4-0 lead to start the set.
The Redcats shrugged off those mistakes and climbed back into the game. They tied the score early in the set at 6-6 when a dig attempt by the Eagles was unsuccessful. By the time the first set was halfway done, Aguilar made some changes with her players that ultimately shifted the momentum in their favor for the rest of the match.
“We’re trying to take a lot of chances, we’re trying a lot of new things,” said Aguilar. “It was fun to see tonight.”
Fowler’s sophomore setter, Laila Zavala, was at the center of the fun all night with her hustle, excitement and leadership. She clapped her hands so loud when her teammates came up with big plays that the sound echoed through the rafters. She was involved in almost every play and she set the tone for the Redcats for the entire match. Zavala finished the game with five serving points.
“She’s an all-around player,” said Aguilar. “I’ve really been working with her to find her voice.”
As for the Eagles, they definitely didn’t play like a team with a losing record. They fought hard with every serve, kill attempt and shot block. They didn’t go down quietly.
The Eagles were led by Llasmin Macias, who stepped up her play in a losing effort. “So, number nine, Llasmin Macias, she stepped up and took a lot of passes, hits, sets, things like that,” said Eagles’ head coach Kacey Jones. “She was probably the main one.”
The third and final set was the most exciting set of the match. The Redcats jumped out to a 10-5 lead with more hard serves and some timely kills. By the time Jones called an Eagles time out, the Redcats increased their lead to 12-5.
Coming out of the timeout, the Redcats went on another long run that increased the lead to 22-14. The Eagles did their best to frustrate the Redcats by coming up with a few extra points of their own. Unfortunately, that was all they could do. The match would end on a spike attempt by the Redcats that went out of bounds.
The Redcats will head back on the road for their next match against Selma on Sept. 12.
As for the Eagles, their season of disappointment continues into the great unknown.
