STC senior outside hitter Gloria Mullen goes up for a spike over a pair of Williamsburg defenders during last Tuesday night’s conference match. The Trojans held on for a five set win over the Raiders. PHOTO BY JAMES BRANT

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the South Tama Trojans volleyball team geared up for their highly anticipated matchup against conference opponent, the Williamsburg Raiders. After dropping their first home match to the 4A #1 ranked Clear Creek-Amana Clippers, the Trojans look to bounce back in front of an ecstatic home crowd.

The Trojans started the night off strong with a 25-20 first set win against the Raiders. This hot start boosted the confidence of both the players and the fans as the gym was electric going into the second set.

The Raiders were not to be intimidated with the first set loss as they climbed their way back into the game with a 25-19 win in the second set, tying the match at 1-1.

With a new found spirit and momentum the Raiders silenced the STC crowd again, as they played a dominant third set winning 25-14 over the Trojans. Going into the fourth set, Williamsburg led South Tama 2-1.

As the fourth set went on the Trojans looked like a whole different team from the last two sets, as they really upped their level of play and put pressure on the Raiders. With every serve STC gained more and more confidence bringing them right back into the game and reinvigorating the home crowd. Trojans win the fourth set 25-18.

South Tama hitters Macy Welsh and Janette Cervantes go up for a block together against Williamsburg last Tuesday. PHOTO BY JAMES BRANT

With the score tied 2-2 the Trojans find themselves in a winner takes all fifth set. Taking advantage of the momentum gained from the last set South Tama gets off to an early lead. Right as the game seemed almost out of reach the Raiders stormed back coming within 2 points of the Trojans lead. But ultimately it wasn’t enough to take down the Trojans, as they won 15-12 in the fifth set to claim the 3-2 victory.

Trojan senior Gloria Mullen led STC in kills, digs, and serving in this match. Trojan junior Macy Welsh was the leader in blocks and junior Skyla Beck led the team in assists on this night.

The Trojans next home match will be against the AGWSR Cougars on Sept. 21.

South Tama’s Janette Cervantes gets low for a dig against Williamsburg last Tuesday night. PHOTO BY JAMES BRANT