TOLEDO – It’s a painful lesson but, if it sinks in, it may just be worth it.
The Ross volleyball team found out first-hand that a lackadaisical practice can carry over into a match. And, when facing state power St. Ursula, that can mean big trouble.
Ross was swept away in straight sets by the Arrows, 25-9, 25-11, 25-23.
“Yesterday’s lack of effort for practice carried into our first two sets today,” coach Kari Shull said. “The third set is when my team showed up to play.
“The third set was energized, the third set was hustle and effort and playing as hard as they could, all those things we’ve worked toward. I think we missed an opportunity to go in and sneak a win or give a good battle.”
Shull said she suspects the long Labor Day weekend played a role in the Lady Giants’ sluggishness. She’s hopeful, however, her team saw the difference between the first two sets and the third and took the lesson to heart.
“Before I could even get it out of my mouth, one of our senior captains stepped up and said it to the team,” Shull said. “A coach can say it so many times but when one of your players steps up and says it for them, it’s powerful.”
AnneMarie Moses had five kills and Olivia DeRodes had four kills and two blocks.
The loss drops the Lady Giants to 1-6 overall, 1-1 in the TRAC. They return to action Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. against Sandusky St. Mary’s.