The gym was filled with one of the biggest crowds of the season on Wednesday, Apr. 22, as the Horizon Honors Eagles prepared to take on Seton Catholic, in what would play out to be an exciting match of volleyball. When the teams had played each other last year with Seton earning a pretty obvious victory. However, now with a much-improved team, the players of Horizon Honors and all of their fans in the stands were eager to see how things would turn out this time around.

Seton came out strong in the first set, and their tall front row players made for very strong blockers and good hitters. The score remained deadlocked early, but Seton began to accumulate a narrow lead. However, the Eagles were able to narrow the score once again with a combination of great teamwork and passing from libero, junior Josh Drapkin, and defense specialist, senior Tony Salatino. It was close until the end of the first set where Seton was able to claim their victory with a tight score of 22 to 25.

While Seton had managed to always stay just a couple points ahead in the first set, the second set saw the score get tied much sooner. By this point, Horizon Honors had adjusted their plays and were getting many of their hits through the strong blocks Seton was putting up. But with the increase in Horizon Honors’ offense came an increase in Seton’s defense. The players often chased after and recovered balls that seemed to be impossible to save. They also started bringing out the faster, harder hits, which helped them finish off the second set 25 to 17.

However, by the time the third set rolled around, the energy and intensity of either team had not dropped. Horizon Honors continued to fight back and even the score as soon as Seton would take the lead with great work in setting up kills for sophomore Trevor Weary. The rest of the team continued to score as well. The Eagles showed their determination when they came back from a five point deficit and claimed a 20 to 19 lead, thanks to a run of serves by Tony Salatino. Seton continued to not give up as well, and a battle for the third set ensued. The last few plays were filled with eager and intensity, but Seton pulled ahead and won the last set 25 to 22.

Despite the loss, the boys of Horizon Honors fought hard and played a good game of volleyball. The Eagles have a total of four games left in their season and will look to improve their record in their next match against Mesquite on Thursday, Apr. 23. Also, be sure to attend Senior Night next week, Thursday Apr. 30, in the gym for what should be a great closing to the boys’ volleyball season.