Jets volleyball heads to regional championship

Given the sour taste that the past two regional finals have left in the Jets mouths, they could have very easily overlooked their semifinal opponent, Indiana School for the Deaf, Saturday afternoon. Hauser came into the match heavy favorites, and few could have blamed them for looking ahead, especially after losing the past two regional final contests after winning the first two sets in each.

It was evident from early on that this would not be the case. Hauser jumped out quickly and established themselves at the more experienced and dominate team in dispatching the Orioles in straight sets; 25-8, 25-7, 25-20.

The Jets flew out of the gate from the first whistle and quickly jumped out to an early 9-2 lead in the first set. Hannah Johnson, Charlie Clark, and Stephanie Meek controlled the front line, not allowing the Orioles anything easy at the net. If Indiana School for the Deaf did manage to hit past the front line, the back row of the Jets made sure the ball did not hit the floor. Andie Clark, Aunaka Wasil, and Sophia Musillami made sure of that. Hauser grew its lead throughout the set, pulling away for a 25-8 victory.

The second set was more of the same from the Jets. They were even more dominant this game. Much like the sectional championship last weekend, Johnson again led the charge at the net and from behind the service line. The size of her and her Jet teammates again did not allow the Orioles to gain any footing in the set. Hauser led by as many as 16 points in the set at 19-3 before closing out the set 25-7 for a 2-0 lead in the match.

With two comfortable wins under its belt, Hauser was able to play more players in the third set. To the Orioles’ credit, they did not quit fighting. Although they never led the entire match, Indiana School for the Deaf was able to hang in with the Jets for much of the third set. They were able to tie the set at six, but they could not grab the lead.

During the set, Hauser’s largest lead was six points at 18-12. From there they were able to keep a game Oriole team from getting much closer the rest of the set. It was freshman Kenzie Bostic who was able to contribute late in the set with some excellent hitting for Hauser as the Jets closed out the match with a 25-20 third set victory.

With the victory, Hauser moves into the Regional Championship match, where the Jets will face Indianapolis Lutheran. And hopefully, they will exercise the demons of the past two regional finals.